The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

As an Assistant Project Engineer in the Design and Prototyping Group (DPG), you will operate in project teams, working closely with designers, electronics and software engineers. The teams undertake projects that range in diversity, complexity and duration. All projects focus on designing and developing innovative solutions for in-house research, industrial partners and companies in the UK manufacturing supply chain. The scale of this work can vary significantly from concept development to prototype demonstrators, providing an excellent opportunity for continuous learning and personal development. 

For this role, you will need effective communication skills, both written and verbal in order to collaborate with all staff members in a diverse team. You should be able to manage and prioritise your work to meet project deadlines. You will also be able to solve problems in a variety of situations and have a willingness to learn.

This role is a fixed-term, 12-month placement under which you will engage in on and off the job learning and development activities. For the duration of the post, you will be supervised and mentored by a senior engineer from the Digital Design team. Through the interactions with the DPG project teams, you will work on providing solutions to a diverse range of engineering challenges.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist in providing technical support to the Digital Design Team to develop innovative digital solutions.

• Support in generating, documenting, and articulating original design solutions for a range of electronic and software product developments. 

• Work on ideas and concepts as part of a team, generating innovative solutions to design problems.

• Outline initial ideas for digital design and build proof-of-concept prototypes, including software and hardware.

• Writing and documenting software applications using various programming languages, e.g., Python, C++, C

• Utilising software development tools and IDEs

• Employing version control systems (Git) for efficient code management

• Plan, manage, and construct prototypes using a range of materials and implementation techniques.

• Test design concepts by virtual prototyping or physical hands-on testing of prototypes.

• Present work and discuss technical issues with team members and project partners.

• Research, collate, organise and edit material for inclusion in presentations and other documents.

• Work within the AMRC Quality Management and Health & Safety Systems.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview including a short test and a brief tour of the design and prototyping centre. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact rob.stacey@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; in

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Baseline personnel security standard 

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.