Rehabilitation Engineering Technician (Grade 4, Band 4) – Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford. 3-year fixed‑term contract until 8 September 2028. Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week. Salary £27,485 – £30,162 per annum. Closing date: 26/11/2025 23:59.
Job overview
We are looking for applicants with strong mechanical workshop skills and a positive, flexible attitude to join our team.
The Rehabilitation Engineering Department provides technical support to the Oxfordshire Wheelchair service and the Specialist Disability Service at Oxford Centre for Enablement. We manufacture custom contour seating and provide mobile arm supports. We apply engineering principles and technology to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, producing individually specified wheelchairs, seating systems, and modifications to enable independence.
To arrange an informal discussion or visit please contact Zoe Hadley, Rehabilitation Engineering team lead, at zoe.hadley@ouh.nhs.uk.
Please only apply if you already have a right to work in the UK until October 2028. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Comply with all health and Safety requirements.
* Manufacture custom contour seating from Lynx and foam, working to engineers' drawings or instructions (including all elements of manufacture).
* Manufacture components for mobile arm supports and prepare mobile arm support kits for assessment and issue.
* Monitor and maintain stock levels in the workshop. Communicate and work with store staff to ensure departmental stock levels are maintained and highlight any issues with suppliers.
* Source suppliers for parts and components.
* Manufacture and assemble components and parts for stock as requested using mechanical workshop skills.
* Monitor and maintain casting bags, performing regular checks and repairing damaged casting bags where possible.
* Produce patterns for upholstery work that will be outsourced to external companies.
* Communicate effectively with team members and external companies regarding technical and sensitive information.
* Upholstery work using a range of sewing machines and hand techniques.
* Assist Rehabilitation Engineering team members in clinics with technical work, assist with setting up equipment, and assist with moving equipment to and from clinic rooms and vans.
* Set up seating and accessories on wheelchairs working to instructions from engineers and/or manufacturer’s instructions, including custom manufactured parts and third party components.
* Document work completed and contribute to technical files and patient records.
* Set up and operate the CNC machine to manufacture custom contoured seating as specified by a rehabilitation engineer. Set up foam blocks, check toolpaths, remove foam blocks and clean the CNC machine post machining.
* Contribute to servicing and maintenance of equipment.
* Maintain a schedule of work and diary appointments to ensure equipment is ready for planned appointments, producing equipment to commercial standard within tight deadlines.
* Assemble, manufacture and repair mechanical devices using hand tools and precision workshop machinery.
* Contribute to multidisciplinary teams by discussing own and others' input around clients’ needs, communicating technical information while taking account of the target audience.
* Understand disabling conditions and their implications on equipment prescription and use.
* Attend and contribute to in‑service training.
* Equipment management activities and technical work may occasionally require the post holder to work in awkward positions.
* Maintain concentration whilst responding to requests from staff and clients for technical support; post will involve occasional exposure to noise and dust.
* Complete drawings on CAD Fusion 360.
* Take on other roles requested as appropriate at this level.
Qualifications
* Grade C or above English and Maths GCSEs.
* NVQ Level 2 Mechanical Engineering or equivalent training in practical engineering skills.
* Mechanical Engineering qualification.
* BTEC Level 2 Mechanical Engineering.
Experience
* Skilled in the use of mechanical workshop equipment independently.
* Skilled in the use of hand‑held power tools independently.
* Practical approach to problem solving.
* Proven ability to manufacture or assemble components to tight deadlines.
* Experience working with people with disabilities.
* Understanding of disability issues.
* Competent and experienced in the manufacture of foam and Lynx seating systems.
* Knowledge of wheelchairs and seating components.
Personal Skills
* Self‑motivated with ability to work independently on own initiative.
* Willing to learn new skills.
* Methodical and thorough approach to work activities.
* Self‑organised.
* Able to work under pressure.
* Able to follow instructions from other team members.
* Physically able to assist in moving and positioning people and equipment.
Behavioural Skills
* Prepared to adjust working hours to suit clinics.
* Methodical and thorough approach to work activities.
* Self‑organised.
Technical Skills
* Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
* Experience in CAD/CAM systems.
COVID‑19: The COVID‑19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and our patients from the virus. While vaccination is not a condition of employment, we encourage staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated, there is helpful advice and information at the Oxfordshire County Council website where you can find out more about how to access vaccination.
Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6‑month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to medical staff or executive appointments.
Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work‑related email addresses so references can be sought promptly. Your first referee should be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. If you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last manager; this information is essential for offer confirmation.
Next Steps: Please read the job description and person specification, and ensure your supporting statement reflects this. Candidates selected for interview will be contacted after the short‑listing process, usually within 2 weeks. (Short‑listing times vary for medical positions). The majority of correspondence will be via the e‑recruitment system; check your emails regularly, including spam folders.
No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.
Employer certification / accreditation badges: The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties; as such, the post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020, and Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required.
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