Main area: Authorising Engineer (Decontamination) - Estates & Facilities/Technical Compliance, Grade Band 8a, Contract Permanent, Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Flexible working
- Home or remote working
37.5 hours per week (Full Time or Part Time / Flexible working hours may be considered). Job ref 180-F-253125-RE
Employer: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Employer type: NHS. Site: Addenbrookes Hospital - Division Corporate. Salary: £55,690 - £62,682 p.a. pro rata. Salary period: Yearly. Closing: 09/11/:59
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly qualified Authorising Engineer (Decontamination) AE(D) to provide impartial, expert guidance on all aspects of decontamination and sterilisation services across the Trust and external client sites. The role ensures compliance with national standards including HTM 01-01, HTM 01-04, and HTM 01-06, as well as UK Medical Devices Regulations and MHRA guidance.
The AE(D) will act as a trusted advisor on technical and compliance matters, including validation, requalification, and periodic testing of decontamination equipment, water treatment systems, and associated plant. They will support clients in meeting statutory requirements, audit testing outcomes, and contribute to the safe and effective delivery of decontamination services.
Main duties of the job
This position requires a strong background in engineering and decontamination, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance independence with collaboration, providing assurance to Boards, Directors, Estates teams, and Decontamination Leads.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advising clients on the safe management, validation, requalification, and periodic testing of all decontamination equipment and water treatment systems.
- Auditing testing and compliance reports, identifying risks, and recommending corrective actions.
- Supporting project teams with technical specifications, tender evaluations, commissioning, and acceptance testing of new or refurbished equipment.
- Providing strategic advice on service development, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.
- Acting as an independent advisor in the appointment of Authorised Persons (Decontamination) and supporting training and competency frameworks.
- Maintaining professional registration and CPD as an IHEEM-registered AE(D), ensuring up-to-date knowledge of standards, best practice, and emerging technologies.
Working for our organisation
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrookes Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds, the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. CUH is recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission. CUHs values - Together, Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services for regional, national and international populations.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We value differences and advocate an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, or socio-economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Why Join AVM Services at CUH?
AVM Services is the specialist commercial arm of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, delivering expert decontamination, compliance, and training services to NHS and private healthcare organisations across the UK. As part of our team, you will join a nationally recognised centre of excellence with access to complex hospital environments, cutting-edge decontamination technologies, and a wide network of professional colleagues.
Working with AVM means contributing to patient safety and service improvement at one of the UKs leading teaching hospitals, while also influencing practice across the wider healthcare sector. We value professionalism, independence, and innovation, and provide opportunities for continuous professional development, including support for IHEEM AE(D) registration and ongoing CPD.
Youll be part of a forward-looking organisation that combines the assurance of the NHS with the agility of a commercial service provider, making a tangible difference to frontline care and national decontamination standards.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full-time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. If you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer a full-time permanent contract unless you have: either applied for a Graduate visa, or have completed your course and applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date, or the Trust has agreed to sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date.
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough-based roles, applicants identified as at risk of redundancy will be prioritised, but interviews cannot be guaranteed.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 9 November 2025. Interviews are due to be held on 18 and 19 November 2025.
Benefits to you
At CUH, we support good working days with development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. We offer reduced-cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from the Cambridge University Hospital site, free Park and Ride between Babraham Road and Trumpington, and free travel to Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise on-site parking for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 at a reduced cost for colleagues. We have a staff pod break space, including a colleagues-only cafe, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area.
CUH is committed to helping employees achieve a good work-life balance. Flexible arrangements may include part-time work, job-share, term-time working, and flexible start/finish times. Please discuss hours with the contact person; alternative working hours may be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification Qualifications
- Membership of a professional institution
- Degree in engineering or applied science (or suitable equivalent) plus specialist knowledge of decontamination technology
- IHEEM Registered as an Authorising Engineer (Decontamination)
Experience
- Oversight and auditing of validation, requalification, and periodic testing of decontamination equipment in accordance with HTM 01-01 Part C, HTM 01-06, HTM 01-04, and relevant BS EN/ISO standards.
- Experience of water treatment plant operation and testing in accordance with HTM 01-04.
- Experience of root cause analysis and risk assessment for decontamination process failures.
- Advanced knowledge of HTMs, HBNs, National, European and International standards (BS EN, ISO 15883, EN 285, ISO 17665, ISO 14937, ISO 17025).
- Ability to read and interpret complex technological drawings relating to buildings and decontamination equipment.
- Production of information, reports and statistics.
- Commercial awareness and ability to support NHS procurement, tender processes, and compliance with CQC inspections.
- Experience of working within a hospital environment.
- Experience as an electro/mechanical service engineer.
Knowledge
- Decontamination awareness of applicable standards and legislation
- Up-to-date knowledge of HTM 01-01, HTM 01-04, HTM 01-06, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and relevant HSE frameworks (PUWER, COSHH, LOLER).
- Awareness of CQC regulatory compliance and NHS procurement frameworks
Skills
- Result interpretation
- Report writing and presentation skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to travel around different sites
- Managing a work schedule
- Uses own initiative
- Ability to work well within a team and independently
- Willingness to travel long distances, including abroad (air travel and overnight stays)
- Able to represent CUH in national working groups, conferences, and external audits
- Teaching abilities
- IT literate
- Adaptable to new technologies and a willingness to learn
Additional Requirements
- The ability to understand and behave at all times toward patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
