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

Are you a STEM graduate with a thirst for knowledge and a talent for picking up new skills quickly? Do you thrive on a mix of simulation and modelling work, hands-on experimental testing, and in-depth data analysis? We're looking for a fast-learning individual with strong transferable research skills to join our Digital Machining team as a Project Engineer

In this role, you'll be instrumental in the assessment and application of novel subtractive process modelling solutions for process optimisation.

You'll get to showcase cutting-edge technologies, both those we develop in-house and those from our partners, by manufacturing demonstration components and features. Collaboration is key; you'll work closely with multiple partners, help shape new projects, and deliver complex, well-defined initiatives. You'll be supported by experienced Project Managers, Technical Leads, and Technical Fellows, ensuring you have the guidance you need to succeed.

Through your interactions with our AMRC partners, you'll contribute to shaping the future direction of your specific research area. While a strong background in engineering or relevant qualifications are a plus, we're particularly keen to hear from individuals who are excellent at managing their time, adhere to quality and project management procedures, and are excited by a challenge.

This role involves occasional travel for on-site investigations or meetings, primarily within the UK, but with potential for international trips. This role will also involve work within the defence sector.

If you're ready to dive into challenging projects, quickly adapt to new concepts, and contribute to cutting-edge manufacturing, we encourage you to apply!

Main duties and responsibilities

• Technically support the delivery of high-quality research in the machining group with a focus on digitalising machining processes.
• Programming and using pre-existing in-house software/scripts (using MATLAB and Python) for data analysis and modelling.
• Experimental testing, data post-processing, and statistical analysis of data to aid the design of future research methodology and produce useful findings for other industrial partners, funders, policy makers and practitioners.
• Implement and oversee the preparation of materials (work piece, tooling, fixtures, etc.) and set up equipment for experiments that have been designed specifically to meet research objectives and find solutions.
• Write technical reports to summarise key findings and outputs to aid the direction of future research.
• Present data and results to internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a professional and concise manner.
• Develop skills through external or on the job training, suitable to accomplish the engineering and project tasks required.
• Plan and carry out tasks and responsibilities over the short-medium term, with an awareness of longer-term issues to meet the research objectives set in a project.
• Produce detailed and accurate project documentation such as statements of work, experiment methodologies, and quality gate sheets.
• Work alongside the Machining Shop Floor staff to enable smooth transitions of project deliveries and machining demonstrations.
• Update Project Manager and Technical Line Manager with progress reports and escalation of any issues.
• 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 take place on the week commencing 27th April 2026. This will consist of a 50-minute interview, including a 10-minute presentation (topic to be confirmed on invite to interview). We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing  4th May 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Josh Priest on j.m.priest@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 41 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.

Baseline personnel security standard

Please be aware that there is a requirement for the successful applicant to undertake a Baseline Personnel Security Standard check (BPSS). Please ensure you meet the criteria for the check when you are applying for this post. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website:

gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels (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.