At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering solutions for safe surgeries in challenging environments.
- Company: Kids Operating Room, a global health charity transforming surgical care for children.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while working in diverse, low-resource settings.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming children's surgical care.
- Why this job: Apply your engineering skills to save lives and improve healthcare access globally.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and proven leadership experience in challenging environments.
The predicted salary is between 48231 - 58949 £ per year.
We are hiring a Head of Engineering at Kids Operating Room. This is not a typical engineering role. You will help design and deliver operating theatres in some of the most challenging environments in the world - where power is unreliable, oxygen is scarce, and the difference between success and failure is measured in lives. From solar-powered surgery systems to modular hospitals, you will lead engineering that directly enables safe surgery for children globally. If you are an engineer who wants to apply your skills to something that truly matters, this is it.
Kids Operating Room is a global health charity transforming surgical care for children in low-resource settings. To date, we have delivered 130+ operating theatres across 35+ countries, helping to build safe, sustainable surgical systems where they are needed most. Our work sits at the intersection of engineering, clinical care, and innovation - including the development of pioneering solutions such as our solar surgery system, designed to deliver uninterrupted power in environments where grid reliability cannot be guaranteed.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Engineering to lead the development and delivery of innovative engineering solutions that enable safe surgery for children in low-resource settings. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic oversight with practical deployment. You will lead a multidisciplinary engineering function spanning biomedical, electrical, and infrastructure systems - designing solutions that work reliably in some of the most challenging environments in the world.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of innovative power, ventilation, and infrastructure solutions for operating theatres in low-resource settings.
- Manage and grow a team of biomedical engineers responsible for the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of medical equipment globally.
- Drive research, testing, and deployment of oxygen solutions, including generation, storage, and delivery systems suitable for constrained environments.
- Take a hands-on role in the deployment of modular and containerised healthcare facilities, ensuring full integration with local infrastructure and successful technical sign-off.
- Oversee the design and implementation of solar-powered systems, including UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and IPS (Isolated Power Systems), across both existing hospitals and new builds.
- Ensure all engineering solutions are fit-for-purpose, resilient, and maintainable locally, with a strong focus on sustainability and reliability.
- Provide technical leadership across projects, including coordination of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
- Operate effectively in low-resource and high-risk environments, supporting in-country teams and partners.
- Identify emerging challenges and proactively develop practical, scalable engineering solutions.
- Contribute to the organisation’s mission by translating engineering innovation into measurable impact - more safe surgeries for children.
Essential Requirements
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Proven experience leading and managing engineering teams.
- Strong experience in electrical systems (generation, distribution, or similar).
- Demonstrated ability to develop practical, innovative solutions in constrained environments.
- Hands-on experience installing, commissioning, or troubleshooting technical systems.
- Comfortable working internationally, including in low-resource and high-risk settings.
- Self-motivated with the ability to identify problems and take ownership of solutions.
- Strong alignment with Kids Operating Room’s mission and values.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working with medical facilities, operating theatres, or biomedical equipment.
- Experience in low-resource, humanitarian, or global health contexts.
- Knowledge of solar energy systems, battery storage, and hybrid power solutions.
- Experience across mechanical and building services systems.
- Understanding of oxygen systems or medical gas infrastructure.
- Experience with modular or prefabricated buildings.
This role would suit someone who:
- Is equally comfortable on-site in a hospital in a low-resource setting as they are shaping engineering strategy.
- Thrives in ambiguity and can engineer solutions where standards and infrastructure may not exist.
- Wants to apply their expertise to real-world impact - where engineering directly saves lives.
- Brings energy, curiosity, and a drive to push boundaries in global health engineering.
At Kids Operating Room, engineering is not theoretical - it is the difference between a child receiving safe surgery or not. You will play a central role in delivering scalable, resilient surgical infrastructure across the world - helping transform access to care for children who need it most.
Head Of Engineering employer: Kids Operating Room
As an Individual Giving Manager at Kids Operating Room, you will join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters creativity and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on collaboration and relationship-building, you'll be empowered to design engaging donor journeys that not only attract new supporters but also retain them, all while contributing to our vital mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Engineering
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head Of Engineering role you’re after at Kids Operating Room.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Kids Operating Room a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Kids Operating Room.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head Of Engineering at Kids Operating Room, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head Of Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Kids Operating Room a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Kids Operating Room specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids Operating Room
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Kids Operating Room, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Kids Operating Room want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
