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.

The Engineering Director for the Centre for Heterogeneous Integrated MicroElectronic and Semiconductor Systems (CHIMES2) is responsible for leading, building and mentoring a world-class, multidisciplinary engineering team, and for enabling and supporting the delivery of world-class research in heterogeneous integration.

We are seeking an engineering leader with significant industrial and team building experience to contribute to the strategic direction of CHIMES2 - our flagship national Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) at the University of Sheffield. CHIMES2 sits at the forefront of heterogeneous integration, combining technologies such as optoelectronics, quantum devices, RF systems, and advanced semiconductor circuits to deliver next-generation system architectures. As a core part of the UK’s National Semiconductor Strategy, CHIMES2 is building a sustainable national capability in system-level design and integration.

Reporting directly to the CHIMES2 Director, you will be an integral part of the leadership of CHIMES2 and will represent the IKC at universities, to industry, and other partners, and translate our emerging research into engineering capability, as well as identifying future research opportunities.

To be successful in this position, candidates must demonstrate a robust, proven background within the microelectronic or semiconductor system design environment.  Significant experience delivering complex engineering solutions, including successful end-to-end design and tape-out. A strong track record in training engineers is required. You will play a central role in translating emerging technologies into deployable, scalable systems, while shaping national capability and influencing the UK semiconductor ecosystem.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead, build, and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team
• Drive the delivery of heterogeneous integration solutions, from concept through implementation, produce appropriate outputs and present these for a range of audiences
• Conduct internationally recognised, innovative research in heterogeneous integration.
• Work collaboratively with a diverse group of academics, researchers, and our external partners to translate their needs into clear functional requirements, and propose  solutions
• Act as a key member of the CHIMES Executive Leadership Team, contributing to strategy and direction
• Build strong and trusted relationships with industry collaborators and design-chain ecosystem partners, providing expert advice and guidance
• Assist in the preparation of project reports and other publications, including international peer-reviewed journals
• Work closely with leading UK universities to align research with engineering delivery
• Represent CHIMES2 across industry, academia, and the wider microelectronics community
• Work across industry, academia, and government to deliver transformative capability
• Translate emerging research into engineering capability, and identify future research opportunities, assisting with the preparation of competitive new funding bids
• Ensure robust project governance, risk management and timely delivery across projects
• Provide technical leadership and guidance
• Champion diversity, equality and inclusion
• Monitor and evaluate performance of the engineering team against the KPIs
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex technical challenges
• 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 in August. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage at the beginning of August. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-operations@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
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

Closing Date : 13/07/2026 

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.