Orthopaedic and Prosthetic Medical Device Development Engineer

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious engineering postdoc to fast-track their career development as a Medical Device Development Engineer working with Attenborough Dental Laboratories Limited.

Attenborough Dental Laboratories Limited is an innovative business with ISO13485 accreditation, offering state-of-the-art services. In recent years the company has invested heavily in 3D medical imaging and custom manufacturing techniques to expand the business to include custom medical implants and prosthetics. This role is part of Attenborough’s strategic development to expand its operation into orthopaedics and prosthetics by implementing computational design and validation procedures for custom made patient specific implants.

The successful candidate will be based at Attenborough’s offices in Nottingham, working in a highly innovative environment at the leading edge of biomedical technology. It is likely that some travel will be required within the UK to visit orthopaedic and prosthetic centres and suppliers, as well as attending meetings and conferences.

This is an exciting opportunity for a postgraduate to work in a commercial environment. The post includes a significant training and development package.

Candidates for this post should have:

• A Masters or equivalent in Bio-Engineering or Bio-Medical Engineering or related engineering degree is essential.
• Significant experience in the use of finite element modelling and computer design software
• Experience of laboratory working, data capture and recording of data
• Ability to establish credibility and work cooperatively with others including company management and staff, hospital surgeons and management, suppliers and end users
• Motivation and drive to do a job well
• Written and verbal communication that is clear, well-structured and easy to understand
• An organised and methodical approach to work to manage own time and workload effectively
• Awareness and understanding of the commercial drivers and accept responsibility for delivering project objectives
• Flexible approach to problem solving
• Experience in working with and ability to lead a new team of developers, technicians and production assistants

The post is available immediately and will be offered on a permanent full time basis.

• Job purpose:

To develop and implement computational design and validation procedures and manufacturing workflows for custom made patient specific implants. To gain and maintain regulatory approval. To build a team manufacturing custom made patient specific implants, and to assist in developing new markets for the company in patient specific implant manufacture.

• Duties and responsibilities:
• Estimation of performance characteristics required of the implant by the establishment of a Finite Element (FE)
• Determination of a safe ‘design envelope’ for both the implant and its primary fixation system
• Role out of design and manufacturing process through the production of prototypes
• Validation of the virtual safety testing protocols though mechanical testing of the prototypes
• Development and refinement of the design workflow and surgical technique.
• Definition of the user interface requirements, including design safety rules and manufacturing parameters.
• Generation of a smart design and manufacture system
• Special Conditions:

Whilst the position will be based at Attenborough Dental Laboratories in Nottingham, the Associate must be prepared to travel within the UK.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

Person Specification:

Essential Education

· PhD in Bio-Engineering or Bio-Medical Engineering or related engineering degree (1)

· Prosthetics qualified by verified prior experience or examination

Experience

· Significant existing experience in the use of finite element modeling and computer design software (1,3)

· Knowledge and experience in computer aided manufacture, specifically developing CAM strategies and templates for 5-axis milling / machining

- Knowledge and experience in computer aided manufacture, specifically additive manufacturing (1,3)

· Data capture and recording of data (1,3)

· Laboratory working (1,3)

· Relevant industrial experience (including work placements) in a Bio-mechanical environment would be desirable (1,3)

General Skills and Abilities

· Ability to build strong alliances with colleagues and stakeholders, develop network of contacts and builds trust (1,3)

· Establishes credibility and work cooperatively with others: company management, technicians, clinicians, surgeons, suppliers, customers (1,3)

· Written and verbal communication is clear, well structured and easy to understand. (1,3)

· Adapts communication to suit the audience e.g. technicians, clinicians, customers, surgeons and end users. (1,3)

· Organised and methodical with ability to manage own time and workload effectively (1,3)

· Able to analysis data and carefully present data for presentation (3)

· Approachable and receptive (3)

· Sees self as a member of a team (1,3)

· Plans and coordinates own work to meet objectives and development plans (1,3)

· Accepts responsibility for delivering project objectives (1,3)

· Flexible approach to problem solving (1,3)

· Monitors the progress of work against project milestones and/or agreed standards of work (1,3)

· Develops new approaches to improve or replace existing procedures or systems (3)

· Excellent IT skills (1)

· Knowledge of European regulatory environment for medical devices (1)

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge of computer aided engineering (CAE) and finite element analysis (FEA) packages

Training

· Demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development. (1,3)

· Willingness to undertake appropriate further training and to adopt new procedures as and when required (1,3)

Other

· Willingness to travel (3)

· Suitable arrangements for personal business travel (3)

· Commitment to observing Equality & Diversity policies at all times (1,3)

· Commitment to maintain confidentiality at all times (3)

· Full UK Driving License (3)

Stages in Assessment (shown in brackets):

1 = Application form and CV,

2 = Work-based test / presentation and questions,

3 = Interview.

Due to the requirements of the UK Border and Immigration Agency, applicants who are not UK or EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals whose employment will require permission to work subject to a resident labour market test may only be considered if there are no suitable UK or EEA national candidates for the post. Please visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information.

Please quote ref. ATT/ENG/41139

Closing date: 22nd May 2026

Interviews will be held: 27th May 2026

Job Title:

Orthopaedic and Prosthetic Medical Device Development Engineer

Job Ref:

ATT/ENG/41139

Pay and Reward:

£33,400 - £35,000 per annum, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Number of Positions: 1

Post Details

Total Hours per Week:

37.5 hours per week

Working Pattern

Sun

*Mon Yes

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*Tue Yes

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*Wed Yes

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*Thu Yes

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*Fri Yes

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Sat

Permission to work in the UK Please note that applicants for this post will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as defined by the requirements set out by UK Visas & Immigration. Please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration for more information.