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

Please note, this placement is located on-site at Samlesbury, near Blackburn, Lancashire.

This 12-month placement is a fantastic opportunity for a student or recent graduate to experience a year in industry as part of their engineering studies. They will support the AMRC Northwest low carbon team to deliver a range of research projects, commercial contracts and business support programmes in fields such as facility and operations decarbonisation, heat recovery, renewable energy systems and smart factory integration. The role will be based in our new £20m+ research facility in Lancashire which has been developed into a £2.5m cutting-edge low carbon smart factory demonstrator.

The role will be varied, offering you exposure to a wide range of technologies and processes, collaborating with companies ranging from small to medium size enterprises (SME) to some of the largest names in manufacturing. Work will encompass the development of sustainability road maps, technology demonstration, life cycle analysis, through to the implementation of IIoT solutions that support the adoption of low carbon technologies, all of which will accelerate the Net Zero journey of our partners.

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

• Support the team to identify & deliver projects for manufacturers that will accelerate their Net Zero journey and drive improvements in productivity, process, efficiency & quality.
• Plan, design, develop processes for test and validation of innovative renewable energy systems and low carbon technologies.
• Conduct research into emerging low carbon manufacturing technologies, sustainable manufacturing techniques and process improvements.
• Work with businesses to identify effective data relating to the implementation of renewable systems/energy generation of a suitable scale.
• Research novel technology and its application through into industry to support new technology implementation in manufacturing.
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team (software, electronics, automation, additive & subtractive manufacturing, and data science)
• Work closely with the group to design and deliver quality solutions.
• Report project deliverables, both written and verbally to the team and to customers.
• Ensure all processes comply with the AMRC’s quality standards.
• 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 does not 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 take place within 2 weeks of the closing date when we will let candidates know if they have progressed to the next stage.

This will consist of an interview and presentation. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Iain Martin

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 Academic Career Pathways
• 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.

Closing Date : 25/09/2025 

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.