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 seeking a highly motivated and capable individual to join the University of Sheffield and Cutting & Wear Resistant Developments Ltd. as a KTP Associate. This 24-month fixed-term project focuses on the development of a digital design and simulation platform for optimising steel milling tools used in oil and gas well decommissioning. You will embed cutting-edge academic expertise into an industrial setting, contributing to new product development and enhanced commercial capability. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in driving innovation in a growing, high-impact sector. The successful candidate will work with a team of engineers at Cutting& Wear Resistance Development Ltd., who are a manufacturer of drilling tools, components and consumables to the oil and gas exploration industry worldwide, as well as with research experts in manufacturing at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering.

You will be employed by the University of Sheffield but based at Cutting & Wear Resistance Developments Ltd in Ecclesfield, therefore you need to be able to travel between the sites.  The working hours include Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday 8.00am - 2.30pm with total of  38 hours per week with half hour lunch time per day. There are 33 days paid holiday in the year including 8 statutory and the remaining 25 days annual holiday entitlement is required to be taken. You will spend some time at the University sites, on training and research as well as receiving academic and technical support throughout the project. 

In addition, you will receive a £4000 per annum personal development budget which can be used for relevant professional development activities including a residential programme at Ashorne Hill to further develop your professional skills and network. You are expected to travel and stay at site to successfully finish the training. It is also anticipated that project outcomes will be disseminated to both industrial and academic audiences through conferences, industrial exhibitions and technical meetings, providing the opportunity for travel.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a simulation-based design platform for downhole milling tools.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of cutting mechanics under downhole conditions.
• Support design and validation of prototype tools using the company’s bespoke instrumented test rig.
• Collaborate closely with industrial and academic supervisors to embed modelling capabilities in C&W.
• Train company staff in the use of simulation tools and performance-informed design methodologies.
• Contribute to academic dissemination, including journal papers and conference presentations.
• Manage the day-to-day progress of the project, liaising across university and industry teams.
• 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

Following the closing date, we will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk

By applying for this post, you are agreeing that we can share your information with Cutting & Wear Resistance Developments Ltd as they will take an active part in the recruitment process.

University of Sheffield

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 25 days annual leave plus 8 statutory.
• 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
• 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.

Cutting and Wear Resistance Developments Ltd.

Cutting & Wear is a Sheffield-based engineering company with over 50 years of experience supplying high-performance tooling solutions to the global oil and gas industry. Specialising in the design and manufacture of downhole milling tools, hardfacing materials, and wear-resistant components, the company serves a worldwide customer base including major service providers such as Halliburton, SLB, and Weatherford. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, Cutting & Wear combines in-house design, machining, and testing capabilities to deliver bespoke products for challenging drilling and decommissioning environments. The company is committed to research and development and has a strong track record of successful collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Job Advert 

Are you a skilled and ambitious mechanical or manufacturing engineer ready to apply your expertise in real-world innovation? We are offering an exciting opportunity to work as a KTP Associate on a 24-month project between the University of Sheffield and Cutting & Wear Resistant Developments Ltd., focused on revolutionising downhole milling tools for oil and gas well decommissioning.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MAC) belongs to the prestigious Faculty of Engineering, which is one of the largest academic communities of engineers in the UK, ranked joint 1st in the UK for Research Environment in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). 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 generous pensions scheme, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

C&W are an international, world-class organisation supplying downhole tool technology to drilling equipment manufacturers across the world. The company has been established since 1968 and was founded to serve the drilling industry with high quality products and services, based on leading-edge technology. Cutting & Wear patented technology for hard facing materials and methods, coupled with down hole tool development, has set standards within the industry.

You will lead the development of a digital simulation platform to design and validate advanced cutting tools for challenging downhole environments. Collaborating closely with university researchers and industry experts, you'll embed advanced simulation capability into the business, supporting sustainable technological advances and commercial growth.

This is an excellent career opportunity for someone looking to fast-track their expertise in design engineering, digital simulation, and applied R&D. You’ll gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, tailored training support, and the potential for ongoing employment with the industrial partner.

You are expected to hold a higher 2.1 or First-class degree at the MEng/MSc or PhD level in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, or Manufacturing, with a strong background in design and modelling skills. You’ll have strong skills in Finite Element Analysis (e.g. Abaqus, ANSYS), an understanding of machining processes, and a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

We offer flexible working, a minimum of 41 days annual leave (pro rata), a generous pension scheme, a range of staff networks and wellbeing support, and access to outstanding professional development opportunities.

We build inclusive teams that reflect a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. If you're passionate about innovation and want to make a real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.

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.