Mechanical Plumber / Fitter plus 30% R&R

NHS; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Milton Keynes seeks an experienced Mechanical Plumber/Fitter to oversee maintenance and repairs on a variety of mechanical systems. This role involves working on water and heating systems and requires legal certifications such as City & Guilds. The successful candidate will be responsible for troubleshooting mechanical issues and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This is a full-time position with 37.5 hours per week, and offers flexible working options as well as a competitive salary.

Benefits

29 days annual leave plus bank holidays

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working options

Continuous professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in an acute hospital environment is essential.
• Knowledge of low-pressure hot-water systems and steam sterilisers is required.
• Completion of a structured training program in Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance, repair, and installation work on mechanical systems.
• Carry out planned and reactive work appropriate to core skills.
• Diagnose and repair faults on complex mechanical and plant systems.

Skills

Ability to identify, analyse and correct faults

Ability to work without supervision

Good interpersonal skills

Adaptable to change

Education

City & Guilds 214 – Part 2

BTEC, ONC in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Plumber / Fitter plus 30% R&R

The closing date is 05 January 2026.

Band 4: £35,730 - £39,210 per annum (including 30% recruitment and retention payment) (not including on‑call pay).

Hours: 37.5 per week. All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working.

Secondments/Fixed term will be considered.

Are you an experienced plumber and looking to gain healthcare experience? #TeamMKUH is hiring a Mechanical Plumber/Fitter to undertake maintenance repairs and minor improvement, ensuring compliance with Trust safety standards and procedures. You will be working on water systems, ventilation systems, steam systems, air‑tube systems, heating and cooling plants, and other mechanical equipment. There is on‑call availability every 1 in 7 weeks, including weekends and nights.

The successful postholder will need to identify maintenance issues independently and work confidently without supervision at times, with some training provided. You will collaborate with the Estates Services Manager, Maintenance Manager, Mechanical Supervisor and Estates Officers.

If you’re looking for a change of career, development or a new environment, this is a great time to join #TeamMKUH.

Main duties of the job

Perform maintenance, repair and installation work, including technically intricate and non‑routine activities.

Responsible for calibration and fault‑finding on a wide range of engineering plant and equipment (low‑pressure hot water systems, steam raising plant, air handling units, steam sterilisers and associated equipment).

Undertake maintenance repairs and minor improvement across the Trust as directed by Management, ensuring compliance with Trust safety standards and procedures.

Carry out day‑to‑day planned preventive maintenance duties and repairs.

Tests and checks of the complete spectrum of services in a building services environment.

Mechanical fault‑finding, boiler plant treatment checks.

About us

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting‑edge research and education. With a “Good” rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium‑sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, maternity and paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state‑of‑the‑art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.

Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards – a new ward block featuring two 24‑bed wards – and the recently approved Women and Children’s Centre, set to open by 2030.

Job responsibilities

Carry out planned and reactive work appropriate to core skills, diagnose and repair faults on complex mechanical and plant, engineering systems, and equipment in accordance with current regulations and guidance. Work on a wide range of hospital mechanical systems including heating systems, hot and cold‑water systems, control systems, electrical motors/drive systems, domestic equipment, catering equipment, ventilation plant, boiler plant, building energy management system and communication systems. Manufacture, assemble, erect and install new installation work unsupervised to a recognised standard within an acceptable timescale. Perform a wide range of work of other trades. Carry out repairs, maintain and efficiently run engineering plant & equipment. Carry out water system inspections, tests and maintain records in conjunction with the Trust’s Water Management Policy. Use all relevant test equipment, tools and equipment. Interpret and work from complex engineering drawings & wiring diagrams and specifications. Plan and manage the working day based on work orders issued by a supervisor. Carry out work in accordance with health and safety requirements, Trust policies, procedures and regulations. Complete installation inspections, tests and surveys including associated reports. Compile lists for the ordering of materials and spare parts. Provide technical support and advice to staff and patients on clinical equipment. Give advice, instruction and training to apprentices, assistants and support workers. Undertake other duties consistent with the role/grade of the post as requested by management.

Refer to the Job Description for further details.

Person specification

Qualifications and knowledge

• City & Guilds 214 – Part 2 or Plumbing Advanced Craft Certificates (Course 596‑2) – Sanitary plumbing; Installation & Maintenance of Domestic Heating Systems & Appliances
• BTEC, ONC in Mechanical Engineering
• Adequate knowledge of, and within the preceding three years, training for first aid treatment for electrical shock

Experience

• Completion of a structured training programme in Mechanical Engineering with relevant site experience
• Knowledge of low‑pressure hot‑water systems
• Experience in an acute hospital environment
• Experience with steam sterilisers and disinfectors
• Understanding of mechanical engineering

Skills

• Ability to identify, analyse and correct faults without recourse to others
• Ability to work at times without supervision
• Adaptable to change
• Able to adapt/carry out minor works relevant to other trades when required

Personal and people development

• Able to work in a demand‑driven environment and to tight deadlines
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Experience working as part of a team

Communication

• Good interpersonal skills / able to communicate with Trust staff and service users at all levels
• Able to clearly discuss technical issues with managers and other team members, and to prepare basic written reports when required

Specific requirements

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
• Availability for on‑call duties (30‑minute response time)
• Ability to work at height using access from ladders/scaffold
• Ability to work in confined spaces

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.

Employer name

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£35,730 – £39,210 per annum (including 30% recruitment and retention payment).