Job Description
Job Title:  Support Technician: Machining
Posting Start Date:  07/07/2026
Job Id:  2830
School/Department:  Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (On site)
Contract Type:  Permanent
Salary per annum (£):  £25,249 - £28,778
Closing Date:  04/08/2026

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

 

As a support Technician you will be an integral member of the School’s existing technical team. Reporting to the Engineering Team Leader, you will assist in the manufacture of specialist equipment and components for research activities, and provide limited technical expertise to undergraduate projects, postgraduate projects and other departments within the Faculty of Engineering.  

 

You will also carry out a number of other activities to ensure the mechanical workshop and laboratories continue to be recognised for their service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety standards.

 

This is definitely a “hands on role” with a focus on skills to manufacture precision components

 

Occasionally you may be required to support other departments within the Faculty of Engineering.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Assist with technical (workshop & laboratory) support on a range of issues across the Department and faculty. This includes liaising with customers regarding potential work and carrying out manufacturing activities. Escalate technical issues to appropriate senior staff. 

  • Under supervision, use a wide range of mechanical workshop techniques including, but not limited to machining, milling, CNC machining, EDM wire erosion, fitting, assembly, grinding, drilling and computational design packages.

  • Maintain a high standard of workshop manufacturing and maintenance. 

  • Assist with the planning, design and manufacture equipment for both teaching and research projects.

  • Support the Technical Manager  in the daily running of the workshop facility to ensure continued safe and reliable service excellence.

  • Assist with commissioning of rigs and carry out experimental testing including the recording and dissemination of data to customers.

  • Provide technical support to a range of projects, including advice, training and the set up, modification and use of Workshop equipment. 

  • Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant health and safety rules and regulations.  Provide safety information to staff and students. Maintain appropriate records for your own work area and report breaches of H&S to senior colleagues. 

  • Attend all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing and ethical regulations at all times.

  • 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.

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

  • Experience equivalent to minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and maths or equivalent level 2 qualification, supported by completion of  a formal training programme or apprenticeship

Essential

Application

  • Basic experience of mechanical engineering workshop skills for example, machining, milling, CNC machining, fitting, assembly, grinding, drilling, etc.

Essential

Application & Skills Test

  • Basic experience of computational drawing packages such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360 and or solid works

Essential

Application & Skills Test

  • Experience of applying workplace health and safety in a workshop / laboratory environment

Essential

Interview

  • Effective communication skills both written and verbal

Essential

Interview

  • Ability to work effectively as a team member and actively contribute to the success of the group

Essential

Application/interview

  • Ability to work to tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy

Essential

Application/interview

  • Commitment Technical Registration working towards Eng Tech or RSciTech

Desirable

Application/interview

 

Further Information

 

Grade

4

Salary

£25,249 - £28,778

Work arrangement

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Line manager

Senior Technician

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/mac

For informal enquiries about this job, contact Phillip Pickstock, School Technical Manager: on p.pickstock@sheffield.ac.uk

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 18 August 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 11/08/2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Katie Bell (kathrine.bell@sheffield.ac.uk)

 

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.