Orthotics Technician (external link)

Job Description

Orthotics Technician (Ref: 224391)

Substantive

Full Time Post – 36 hours per week

Band 4 – Salary Range £31,537 to £34,303 per annum

Distant Island Allowance of £2,578 per annum

Join Our Innovative Orthotics Service in Shetland

NHS Shetland is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Orthotics Technician to join our Orthotic Service. This is a unique opportunity to develop specialist manufacturing and technical skills while enjoying an exceptional quality of life in one of the UK’s most spectacular island communities.

The Orthotic Service provides assessment, treatment and ongoing care for adults and children requiring orthotic intervention. Orthotic devices (sometimes known as braces or splints) help people manage a wide range of medical conditions, improve mobility and maintain independence.

Working closely with our visiting Orthotist and wider multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in manufacturing, modifying, repairing and supplying bespoke orthotic devices for patients across Shetland. The service currently operates a visiting Orthotist model, with specialist clinics taking place every 6-8 weeks.

Digital Manufacturing and Innovation

NHS Shetland has invested significantly in digital orthotic manufacturing and is at the forefront of CAD/CAM technology within orthotic practice.

The successful candidate will spend much of their time utilising advanced CAD/CAM systems and operating CNC milling equipment to manufacture custom foot orthoses and insoles. This offers an excellent opportunity to develop highly transferable digital manufacturing and engineering skills within a healthcare setting.

What the Role Involves

• Manufacturing, adapting and repairing a wide range of orthotic devices.
• Operating CAD/CAM software and CNC milling machinery.
• Producing custom orthoses from a variety of materials.
• Metalworking activities including cold shaping, drilling, cutting and riveting aluminium and stainless steel.
• Cutting, skiving, shaping, sewing and bonding orthotic materials using specialist workshop equipment.
• Maintaining workshop equipment and supporting quality assurance processes.
• Working collaboratively with Orthotists and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals who enjoy practical, hands on work and have an interest in technical manufacturing, problem solving and healthcare. Previous orthotic manufacturing experience would be advantageous but is not essential. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in technical manufacturing, CNC machining, engineering, fabrication, joinery, workshop environments, footwear manufacture or repair, prosthetics and orthotics, or mechanical and craft based trades. Most importantly, we are looking for someone with a positive attitude, good practical skills and a willingness to learn.

Training and Development

A comprehensive induction and development programme will be provided and tailored to your existing knowledge, skills and experience. The successful candidate will receive both local and off island training to support the development of specialist orthotic manufacturing competencies.

Living and Working in Shetland

Shetland offers an outstanding quality of life, with short commutes, strong communities and easy access to some of the UK’s most spectacular natural environments. Residents enjoy low crime rates, excellent schools, a thriving leisure and cultural scene, unique wildlife and world class outdoor activities, whilst remaining only a short flight from mainland Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Rise to the challenge and enjoy the opportunity – Shetland is a wonderful place to live and work. Shetland offers low pollution, low crime, excellent schools, great leisure facilities, unique wildlife and amazing scenery, whilst still only a short flight away from the UK mainland.

To find out more about living and working in Shetland go to and/or

Contact Michael Medici, Podiatry and Orthotics Manager on or email or alternatively contact Cathrine Coutts, AHP Executive Director – email for an informal chat about living in Shetland and working for NHS Shetland.

Closing date: 26th July 2026

Interview date: 10th and 11th of August 2026

Equalities and Diversity

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is to have a workforce that is truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made.

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

If you require assistance or encounter any technical issues with your application, please e mail support at including the vacancy reference number and NHS Shetland in the subject line or by calling .