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

As an Engineering Technician, you will be an integral member of our existing technical support team. Reporting to the Technical Manager-Workshops, you will support the School's teaching and research activities by providing an effective and efficient technical service in the fields of design and manufacture of custom experimental rigs and components

You will be based mainly in the workshop but will also spend time in laboratories repairing or installing equipment. We are a modern workshop using both CNC and manual machines to produce quality components and using CAD software for design. You will provide a high-quality service to the School, including design and manufacture of bespoke experimental equipment. Working closely with students and academics to achieve this, we also offer detailed, comprehensive advice on health and safety for the use of this equipment.

This will include supporting undergraduate and postgraduate student projects as well as a range of academic research projects. You will adopt high working standards to ensure continued recognition of the School's technical team for its service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record.

This is a ”hands on role” with a focus on manufacturing precision components.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality, comprehensive and effective technical service across the workshop/School. Liaise with customers regarding potential work, provide guidance and carry out experimental procedures. Report technical issues to the Engineering Team Leader as appropriate. Work with minimal supervision and use theoretical understanding of engineering or other technical principles relevant to your subject area and workplace to effectively  problem solve clearly and concisely in written and oral form
• Use and maintain a variety of general and specialist technical equipment, to meet the needs of the School regarding research, teaching and experimental work. 
• Plan, design and manufacture components to high standards and engineering tolerances for both teaching and research projects. 
• Provide solutions to technical problems for both teaching and research projects. Install, commission, maintain, service and repair experimental rigs, technical equipment and systems 
• Produce detailed and complex designs and cad drawings for academics and students using CAD software. 
• Program machine tools effectively using CAM software also having the ability to produce programs for 3D machining operations. 
• Mentor and induct trainees and junior staff and provide training in modern machining techniques. Also mentor and support apprentice technician development.
• Support the Technical Manager-Workshop in the daily running of the workshop facility to ensure a continued safe and efficient working environment.
• Prioritise own work within a general plan or schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist the Technical Manager-Workshop in the planning for future projects. Plan and organise routine work and be responsive to non-routine work.
• Provide technical support to staff and student projects, including advice, training and the set-up, modification and use of workshop equipment.  
• Provide a high standard of customer service to staff, students and visitors. Make suggestions for improving service and refer customers to senior colleagues where appropriate. 
• Understand and comply with relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations 
• Provide comprehensive safety advice and training to staff and students. Maintain appropriate records for own work. 
• 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 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 2 weeks after the closing date. This will consist of an interview and test. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@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 38 days of annual leave, including bank holidays 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 Parents' 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 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 : 23/01/2026 

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.