Job Description
Job Title:  KTP Associate - Subtractive Process Development
Posting Start Date:  17/03/2025
Job Id:  904
School/Department:  Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£):  37,000.00
Closing Date:  14/04/2025

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 are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with strong organisational, interpersonal and technical skills to join Boeing UK’s Research and Technology team in Sheffield to work on the remainder of a 36-month grant funded program.

 

The project will provide a fantastic opportunity to develop and apply innovative industrial digitalisation or subtractive manufacturing solutions within a high precision manufacturing environment. The role would suit someone wishing to pursue a career in manufacturing engineering wanting to gain significant industrial experience.

 

This position will be officially fulfilled by two Associates of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Boeing UK Limited and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). This role is funded through Innovate UK, an innovation arm of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK. Funding for the KTP project also includes a budget to fund training, equipment purchases and any travel expenditure - this budget is managed by the Associates.This will allow the successful applicants to further develop their technical and project management skills, and ensure they have the equipment and skills needed for the project.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Take an active role in Boeing Sheffield’s research and development activities in the field of subtractive processes.
  • Develop independence through project managing, planning and leading the KTP project, meeting cost, technical, and schedule requirements.
  • Use software tools to carry out desktop analytics of virtual machining processes and development.
  • Determine data capture and analysis requirements for long-term implementation of subtractive methods.
  • Draft engineering specifications and other documents to manage experimental procedures related to machining activities.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies for potential application to business needs.
  • Conduct analysis to characterise performance or determine reasons for failure of tools, materials, parts or processes.
  • Incorporate environmental health and safety, LEAN and Quality principles into (1) materials and processes, (2) research, design and qualification, (3) work procedures and (4) labs and office areas.
  • Explore and develop detailed knowledge of machining digitalisation solutions, technologies and processes whilst keeping up to date with domain and industry sector developments.
  • Nurture and maintain close working relationships with colleagues, both at Boeing and the AMRC, facilitating collaboration between the partnership.
  • Carry out scoping activities to collect, analyse, clarify and document requirements, and subsequently produce detailed proposals.
  • Prepare technical demonstrations, proof of concepts and presentations based on project requirements.
  • Conduct a comprehensive technology review to highlight the state-of-the-art in the areas of subtractive processes as applied to high-value manufacturing.
  • Prepare high quality technical reports as required by the KTP and by Boeing Sheffield.
  • 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

 

  • A degree qualification or equivalent relevant industrial experience (3+ years) in a related engineering subject (e.g. mechanical, aeronautical, manufacturing) (assessed at: application)
  • Demonstrable written and verbal communication skills, explaining complex concepts to non-technical audiences (assessed at: application and interview)
  • Ability to work effectively with others (assessed at: application and interview)
  • Effective time-management and organisational skills (assessed at: application)
  • Ability to develop creative solutions and plan for short, medium and long-term implications effectively producing project deliverables on time (assessed at: application and interview)
  • Experience of performing experimental work, using analytical methods and handling data (assessed at: application and interview)
  • Willingness to assist with experimental activities including experimental equipment set-up and configuration (assessed at: application and interview)
  • Ability to use and adapt to a range of software packages such as CAD/CAM, Virtual Machining, MATLAB, Python, etc (assessed at: application and interview)

 

Desirable criteria

 

  • Flexibility in working practices to allow attendance at virtual meetings in other timezones and to travel within and beyond the UK (assessed at: application)
  • Working knowledge of complex components, either of machined detail or assembly parts ((assessed at: Application and interview)
  • Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and / or Six-sigma practices - (assessed at: application)

 

Further Information

Grade: Off-scale

Salary: £37,000 per annum (pro rata)

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 30 months

Line manager: Senior Technical Fellow, The Machining Group (AMRC); BR&T Technical Lead (Boeing)

Direct reports: n/a

Our websites: www.amrc.co.uk; https://www.boeing.co.uk/our-sites/sheffield

 

This post is subject to both the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulatory regime and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and that appointment to the post will be subject to the preferred candidate undergoing any required checks and being approved. This will require the preferred candidate's full application to be shared with Boeing UK Limited for the purpose of ITAR and EAR checks. 

 

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Dr Jon Stammers, Senior Theme Lead: on j.stammers@amrc.co.uk

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place from early April. This will consist of two rounds of interviews. The first will be with a team from the AMRC and will include a short presentation from interviewees. The second interview will take place at Boeing Sheffield, led by the Boeing team. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection 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 hr@amrc.co.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 total of 34 days of leave per year (including UK public holidays) comprising: 23 days accrued holiday per year, with a ‘winter break’ of 3 days on top (falling between 24th December and 1st January).
  • 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 through the provision of a KTP training budget of up to £6,000.
  • 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 : 14/04/2025 

 

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.