3D Digital Biomedical Engineer/Technician

Job overview

The Digital Technical Specialist in 3D Cranio-Maxillofacial Reconstruction plays a key role in supporting complex surgical procedures through virtual planning, digital design, and the manufacture of patient-specific medical models and surgical guides. This role is integral to the Cranio-Maxillofacial Prosthetics Unit and operates within a multidisciplinary clinical setting, supporting services across Orthognathics, Craniofacial Trauma, Cleft, ENT, Plastics, and Head & Neck Surgery.

Main duties of the job

• Support the clinical team by delivering 3D virtual surgical planning, including orthognathic, trauma, and cranioplasty cases.
• Design and manufacture patient-specific surgical guides, splints, and anatomical models using advanced CAD/CAM software and 3D printing technologies.
• Digitally process and manipulate clinical datasets (e.g., CT, MRI, intraoral scans) to support accurate and safe reconstructive outcomes.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot 3D printers and digital scanning equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
• Attend multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics and surgical planning meetings, liaising directly with surgeons, dental technicians, and medical staff.
• Participate in teaching, training, and mentoring of junior staff and students, and contribute to ongoing research and innovation within the department.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, legal documentation standards, and quality management procedures in all technical and clinical activities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Digital Surgical Planning and Design

• Convert and manipulate clinical datasets (CT, CBCT, MRI) into virtual models for surgical planning.
• Design patient-specific implants, guides, and splints using specialist CAD software (e.g., Materialise, Blender, Meshmixer).
• Collaborate with clinical teams in MDTs to plan orthognathic, trauma, and craniofacial reconstruction procedures.
• Support the design of nasal, orbital, auricular, and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implants.

3D Printing and Model Production

• Set up and operate 3D printers for the manufacture of anatomical models, splints, and guides.
• Ensure models are printed accurately and cleaned/finished to clinical standards.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of all 3D printing equipment.
• Ensure the correct storage, documentation, and handover of finished 3D products.

Digital Data Acquisition and Scanning

• Capture digital impressions and scans using handheld, intraoral, and desktop model scanners.
• Digitise physical models where required and ensure accurate integration into the planning software.
• Manage digital files securely and maintain accurate records in line with governance protocols.

Clinical and Multidisciplinary Support

• Attend and contribute to MDTs (orthognathic, trauma, cleft, TMJ, H&N, ophthalmology, dermatology, etc.).
• Provide technical input during case planning and surgical planning clinics.
• Liaise with consultants and theatre staff to ensure smooth delivery of surgical guides and models.

Quality and Compliance

• Maintain and update Quality Management System (QMS) documentation for equipment, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Monitor H&S compliance across the digital lab and escalate any management concerns.
• Ensure legal documentation is maintained within the Cranio-Maxillofacial Prosthetics Information System.

Teaching, Training and Research

• Support the delivery of MPT training programmes and in-house digital skills workshops for dental technicians and junior staff.
• Mentor trainees and provide guidance on digital workflows and best practices.
• Contribute to departmental research and innovation projects, including service evaluation and audit.
• Assist in the organisation of development meetings and CPD events

Service Delivery and Administration

• Manage day-to-day caseloads independently, prioritising urgent requests and coordinating with clinical leads.
• Monitor turnaround times and contribute to service performance targets.
• Liaise with external suppliers and software providers as needed for technical support and procurement.
• Deputise for the Head of Service when required and support business continuity planning.