Job Description
Job Title:  Assistant Project Engineer
Posting Start Date:  05/03/2026
Job Id:  2309
School/Department:  Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£):  £23,742.00
Closing Date:  02/04/2026

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 with a primary focus on Computer Vision for manufacturing applications, such as automated inspection and component validation. Housed within The AMRC’s innovative Factory 2050, the team has grown organically over the last seven years and needs 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 Computer Vision concepts, including image processing, machine learning for visual inspection, and AI, within a manufacturing environment. Your work may also involve developing novel demonstrators for Computer Vision solutions to showcase potential process improvements to manufacturing companies. 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 Computer Vision and 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.
  • Co-ordinate 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.
  • Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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 are 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.

 

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Be working towards a good honours degree.

Essential

Online application

Experience of working with at least one of the following:

  • Computer Vision / Image Processing
  • AI / Machine Learning / Data Science
  • Software development and script-based programming e.g. Python, Java, C++/C#, or other
  • Networks and connectivity

Essential

Online application and interview

Good IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel etc.

Essential

Online application

Ability to assess priorities and manage deadlines.

Essential

Online application and interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations.

Essential

Online application and interview

Experience of successful team working, including teams made up of internal colleagues and external customers with varied skill sets. 

Essential

Online application and interview

Ability to analyse and solve problems using novel approaches with an appreciation of longer-term implications. 

Essential

Online application and interview

Ability to make decisions on the day-to-day use of complex technology.

Essential

Online application and interview

Experience of the down selection of technology and materials to achieve a project objective.

Desirable

Online application and interview

Experience monitoring progress against a budget.

Desirable

Online application and interview

 

Further Information

 

Grade

3.3

Salary

£23,742 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

3rd August 2026 – 30th July 2027

Line manager

Lead Engineer / Senior Technical Fellow

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

www.amrc.co.uk/

For informal enquiries about this job contact Edwin Anarcaya Roca, Research Engineer, Data, Connectivity & AI: on e.roca@amrc.co.uk or on 0114 215 8200

 

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in April 2026. This will consist of an interview, including a brief presentation, followed by a short tour of the facility. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 23rd March. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact imgplacementenquiries@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 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 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.

Closing Date : 02/04/2026 

 

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.

Disability Confident Leader