Job summary
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.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's 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. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job 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 both 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. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 1st October 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 14th October 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job 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 both 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. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 1st October 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 14th October 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Membership of professional institution
- Degree in engineering or applied science (or suitable equivalent) plus specialist knowledge of decontamination technology
- IHEEM Registered as an Authorising Engineer (Decontamination)
Desirable
- ISO 13485/9001 Lead Auditor qualification
Experience
Essential
- 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
- Has advanced knowledge of HTM's, HBN's, National, European and International standards (BS EN, ISO 15883, EN 285, ISO 17665, ISO 14937, ISO 17025).
- Be able 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
Desirable
- Worked within a hospital environment
- Working as an electro/mechanical service engineer
Knowledge
Essential
- Decontamination awareness of standards and legislation which are applicable
- 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
Essential
- Result interpretation
- Report writing and presentation skills
- Good communications skills
- The ability to travel around different sites
- Managing a work schedule
- Uses own initiative
- To work well within a team but has the ability to stand alone and work.
- You must be prepared to travel long distances, using various means of transport
- You will be required to travel abroad therefore the need to be able to travel by airplane and to stay away from home is required.
- Able to represent CUH in national working groups, conferences, and external audits
- Time management skills.
Desirable
- Teaching abilities.
- IT literate.
- Adaptable to new technologies and the willingness to learn.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Membership of professional institution
- Degree in engineering or applied science (or suitable equivalent) plus specialist knowledge of decontamination technology
- IHEEM Registered as an Authorising Engineer (Decontamination)
Desirable
- ISO 13485/9001 Lead Auditor qualification
Experience
Essential
- 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
- Has advanced knowledge of HTM's, HBN's, National, European and International standards (BS EN, ISO 15883, EN 285, ISO 17665, ISO 14937, ISO 17025).
- Be able 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
Desirable
- Worked within a hospital environment
- Working as an electro/mechanical service engineer
Knowledge
Essential
- Decontamination awareness of standards and legislation which are applicable
- 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
Essential
- Result interpretation
- Report writing and presentation skills
- Good communications skills
- The ability to travel around different sites
- Managing a work schedule
- Uses own initiative
- To work well within a team but has the ability to stand alone and work.
- You must be prepared to travel long distances, using various means of transport
- You will be required to travel abroad therefore the need to be able to travel by airplane and to stay away from home is required.
- Able to represent CUH in national working groups, conferences, and external audits
- Time management skills.
Desirable
- Teaching abilities.
- IT literate.
- Adaptable to new technologies and the willingness to learn.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division Corporate
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB20QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)