Job summary
Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) is a technical engineering consultancy and manufacturing service, provided as part of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Aids for Living (REAL) unit, within Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering (NMPCE). The service offers 2D and 3D design facilities, coupled with manufacturing capability in support of a number of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals clinical services and other internal and external stakeholders. There is a significant amount of collaboration with the Regional Technical Aids Service (RTAS), in delivering bespoke equipment solutions to suit the needs of individuals living with complex disabilities. The Clinical Technologist's role incorporates the design, manufacture and installation of mechanical solutions for service users, working closely with partner services, especially those providing assistive aids and wheelchairs to patients. Activities include the modification of, or the initial manufacture of items to customer specification, research support, prototyping and production of single items, or small batches utilising the latest technologies and materials.

Main duties of the job
We are currently seeking a suitably qualified, capable and motivated engineer or technologist, to join the team based at the Freeman Hospital, to support the delivery of our services, which include assessment of need, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture and documentation. The successful applicant will be educated to degree level in an engineering or science-related subject or equivalent (e.g. a HNC or HND qualification with in-depth, relevant experience), with specialist knowledge of engineering design, materials and manufacture, including a proficiency in milling and turning, utilising both manual and CNC machine tools. Experience of fabrication and TIG welding is desirable, although training provision is available to the successful candidate if required. In addition, if not already registered or eligible for registration, the post holder will be required to complete the IPEM Clinical Technologist Training Scheme, resulting in professional registration as a Clinical Technologist with either the RCT or AHCS, with training available to support achievement. This is a demanding but rewarding role, requiring excellent technical awareness, communication, planning, organisational and interpersonal skills. Experience in the application of a range of IT packages (Microsoft Office, Databases, 2D / 3D CAD Modelling) is essential, as is a full valid UK driving licence, as regular region wide travel is a remit of the role.

Job responsibilities

• Providing the technical aspects of the Mechanical Engineering Service (MES) at the Freeman Hospital and across the region.
• Assists in maintaining and developing high standards of service provision, in accordance with formal Quality Management Systems where appropriate, throughout their area of responsibility.
• Project lead independently managing a caseload of referrals, including initial assessment, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture and documentation.
• Ensuring the safe introduction, delivery / handover of manufactured / modified products into clinical, domestic and educational establishments. Providing both verbal and clearly written instructions regarding their safe use.
• Compliance with all relevant legislative and other national and local requirements.
• Safe and efficient operation of all engineering / scientific equipment on which you have been trained.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities within the scope of MES to meet the changing needs and circumstances of the service.
• Contribute to research and development projects.

About us
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you. With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from: Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, Cramlington Manor Walks, Urgent treatment centres, Newcastle Fertility Centre, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria, Northern Genetics Service. These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS. We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.

The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.