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

We have a great opportunity in the AMRC Cymru (South Wales) for someone with a passion for engineering who is looking to use their skills to make an impact on UK productivity.

You will be working as part of a group delivering research and technical support for our digital factory hub. Working alongside Manufacturing Research Engineers, Senior Manufacturing Research Engineers and others on a diverse range of projects, using cutting edge technology to solve real problems, dealing with customers and other external stakeholders, and occasionally travelling to visit suppliers and partner companies.

You will have diverse skill-set, good organisational skills, the ability to research, problem solve and implement ideas in a hands-on environment. Whilst having a practical approach, a positive attitude, and a confident communicator.

This job is part of a 48-month apprenticeship where you will engage in on and off the job learning and development activities that will lead to degree qualification.

To be eligible to apply for this apprenticeship position, you must not have obtained a higher education qualification at Level 6 or above including a first degree by a recognised university or other recognised higher education (HE) institution, except for anyone who has participated in the Work Programme.

You may still be eligible if the apprenticeship will allow you to acquire substantive new skills and there is evidence that the content of the training is materially different from any prior higher education qualification at Level 6 or above or a previous apprenticeship that you have undertaken.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide assistance in the development and integration of coding, programming and electronics to support Industry 4.0 manufacturing orientated applications.
• Assist in the delivery of projects as part of an agile project delivery system.
• Report project deliverables, both written and verbally to your colleagues in the AMRC Cymru team.
• Ensure all processes comply with the AMRCs quality standards.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other members of staff as appropriate.
• Research novel technology and its application through into industry.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
• Attend relevant training and complete assignments as part of the apprenticeship programme along with off the job training elements

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.

Essential criteria

• Willingness to work towards a degree in a relevant subject or discipline with a commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme and engaging in all on and off the job training and development activities. (assessed at: application)
• Knowledge in one of more of the following areas: Coding, programming (such as Java, C++, C#, Object C, LabView) and / or electronic development (assessed at: application)
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Project, Word, Excel etc assessed at: application)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application & interview)
• Ability to analyse and solve problems using novel approaches with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: interview)
• Flexible, co-operative and proactive approach to work with attention to detail and accuracy. (assessed at: interview)
• Update and acquire new skills and knowledge in line with advances in the relevant subject area, including technical expertise and experience. (assessed at: interview)
• Experience of successful team working, including teams made up of internal colleagues and external customers with varied skill sets (assessed at: application/ interview)
• Aptitude towards research/advanced manufacturing methodologies. (assessed at: application/ interview)
• Ability to make decisions on the day-to-day use of the complex technology (assessed at: application/ interview)
• Minimum qualification level to be Level 3, Existing qualifications must be at a lower level than Level 6 unless the training content is materially different (assessed at: application/ interview)
• This post will be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and the postholder must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the Government. Further information can be found here.

Desirable criteria (max 2)

• Experience in data analytics and data storage. (assessed at: application/ interview)

Further Information

Grade: 3

Salary: £23,414 – £24,344 with potential to progress to £25,448 through outstanding contribution.

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Starting on 1st September 2025, for a period of 4 years, with the fixed term ending on 30th August 2029

Line manager: Senior Manufacturing Research Engineer

Our website: www.amrc.co.uk/cymru

For informal enquiries about this job contact Graham Howe, Head of Operations, g.howe@amrc.co.uk or on 07977 417329

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Wednesday 23rd July 2025

This will consist of a presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing Friday 4th July 2025

Contact Graham Howe g.howe@amrc.co.uk or on 07977 417329

 if you require any reasonable adjustments.

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; integrated with our Technical Career Route.
• 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.

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.