About this role
Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Instrument Curator within Electronics & Medical Engineering (EME). The post provides specialist mechanical engineering support for a wide and complex range of surgical instruments and power tools used across Newcastle Hospitals. We are looking for an experienced mechanical engineering professional with strong practical and analytical skills, ideally holding an HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. The role involves fault diagnosis, precision repair, planned maintenance, quality inspection and commissioning of specialist surgical equipment, working closely with clinical and technical teams and equipment manufacturers. This is a varied technical role requiring excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, professional communication and the ability to use initiative in a busy healthcare environment.
Interview Date Thursday 29 October 2026 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Main duties of the job
Maintain, diagnose and repair a wide range of surgical instruments, specialised dental instruments, handpieces and power tools, including component-level repairs using precision tools and appropriate test equipment. Coordinate and undertake planned maintenance for specialist equipment, departments and external clinics, and commission or install new equipment as required. Operate the Trust's quality control and inspection service for new and repaired surgical instruments, ensuring work complies with manufacturer recommendations, departmental procedures, relevant safety standards and MHRA guidance. Implement remedial actions arising from safety alerts and manufacturer notices; maintain accurate service records and appropriate stock and spare parts. Liaise with clinical and technical staff, suppliers and manufacturers, contribute to technical evaluations, equipment trials, audits and reports, and support the training or supervision of apprentices, students and new staff. The post requires sound judgement, excellent analytical ability, high levels of manual dexterity and the confidence to work independently when required.
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.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under 'Documents to download' or 'Supporting documents'.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Job description Job responsibilities
The Instrument Curator is responsible for the maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of a wide and complex range of surgical instruments and power tools including General, Gynaecological, ENT, Dental, Laparoscopic, Ophthalmic, Arthroscopic and Orthopaedic Instruments requiring a sound knowledge of current mechanical engineering techniques.
Person Specification
Knowledge Essential
A comprehensive knowledge of current mechanical engineering practice is essential Understanding of metallurgy Proven machining/fabricating skills
Skills Essential
Good interpersonal skills, in person and by telephone Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, suppliers, and customers Excellent analytical skills
Desirable
Toolmaker, skilled mechanical engineer
Experience Essential
Experience in a mechanical maintenance/repair related discipline
Qualifications Essential
A minimum of a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering
Desirable
ECDL or recognised IT competency qualification
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trustwide
317 Trustwide
NE1 4LP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us (Opens in a new tab)