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

Over the course of your placement as an Assistant Project Engineer in The Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG), you will support delivery of research projects in fields such as robotics, automation and digital transformation. Housed within The AMRC’s innovative Factory 2050, the team has grown organically over the last seven years and is in need of placement students to support the delivery of its extensive portfolio.

Working with some of the largest names in manufacturing, your work will encompass the implementation of concepts such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), machine learning and AI, automation, automated assembly, and HMI technology in a manufacturing environment. You will work alongside other Engineers to deliver research that has real-world benefits.

You will be a student studying a STEM subject with a clear understanding of the application of digital technology in the manufacturing environment. We are looking for diverse abilities, including good organisational skills and the ability to research, problem solve, design, and implement ideas in a hands-on environment. This role requires a practical approach, a positive demeanour, and a confident communicator.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Plan and undertake the research and development vital to achieve project aims, with the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Continuously monitor and check progress against project milestones and targets.
• Coordinate with industrial collaborators to agree project deliverables and update on project progress.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure all project equipment is available for set timescales.
• Work closely with the IMG team to deliver quality solutions.
• Report on project work, both written and verbally to the team and to customers.
• Ensure all processes align with The AMRC’s quality standards.
• Research novel technology and its application through into industry to support new technology implementation in manufacturing.
• Connect with customers to discuss Research & Development activities.
• Adhere to The AMRC’s standard methodologies for development.
• Travel as necessary to support project activities.
• 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.

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

• Be working towards a good honours degree. (assessed at: application)
• Experience of working with at least one of the following (assessed at: application and interview):
  • CAD
  • Complex mechanical system design
  • Robots and/or controls hardware
  • ROS
  • Networks and connectivity
  • Instrumentation
  • Process / Machine monitoring
  • AI / Machine Learning / Data Science
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel etc. (assessed at: application)
• Ability to assess priorities and manage deadlines (assessed at: application and interview)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application and interview)
• Experience of successful team working, including teams made up of internal colleagues and external customers with varied skill sets (assessed at: application and interview)
• Ability to analyse and solve problems using novel approaches with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: application and interview)
• Ability to make decisions on the day-to-day use of complex technology (assessed at: application and interview)

Desirable criteria

• Experience of the down selection of technology and materials to achieve a project objective (assessed at: application and interview)
• Experience monitoring progress against a budget (assessed at: application and interview)

Further Information

Grade: 3.3

Salary: £23,414

Work arrangement: Full time

Duration: 12 months, expected start July 2025, expected finish July 2026

Line manager: Senior Engineer

Direct reports: Research Engineer, Senior Engineer

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

For informal enquiries about this job contact
The Placements Team: imgplacementenquiries@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that interviews and other selection action will be held in April 2025, you should plan to be available for an interview during this period. This will consist of an interview, including a brief presentation, followed by a short tour of the facility. Further details of this will be provided to candidates that make it to the interview stage. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24th March. Contact imgplacementenquiries@amrc.co.uk 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 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.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.