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 Technician you will be an integral member of the Schools electrical services team. Based in Schools Electrical Workshops, supporting activities within the main campus but also at satellite sites (Buxton & ICAIR) you will collaborate with other team members. You will lead in the manufacture of specialist equipment and components for research activities and will also provide technical expertise to undergraduate projects, postgraduate projects and other collaborators within the Faculty of Engineering. The work is diverse and varied.

You will be an integral member of the Schools existing electrical services team, working with the Technical Manager and Senior Technical Specialist .You will be able to comprehend and analyse technical documentation to effectively perform job duties. Appreciate the significance of providing outstanding customer service to both customers and colleagues, including identifying needs and responding appropriately based on the situation and organisational culture. Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines. Train and advise others in the workshop as and when required.

Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance. Work independently with efficiency and effectiveness, consistently maintaining an organised workspace and minimising waste.

This is definitely a “hands on role” with a focus on the manufacturing of bespoke solutions and integration of control systems.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Deliver a Comprehensive and Proactive Technical service to Staff and Students across the Department’, whilst ensuring a High Level of Customer service.  Provide Advice and Mentorship on a range of Technical Issues identifying needs and responding appropriately in line with the application as required, supporting Experimental work and carry out a range of Routine and Unplanned Maintenance to ensure availability of Laboratory Equipment, Whilst ensuring any work is Compliant to BS 7671 (18th Edition - The IET Wiring Regulations) & BS EN 60204/-1 (Safety of Machinery).
• Support the Technical Manager or Senior Technical Specialist with the daily running of the workshop facility to ensure continued safe and reliable service excellence.
• Have the ability to determine the size and layout of electrical enclosures with respect to the components they will house and the controls that will be required to operate them. Design & Design and Develop Electrical control panels/enclosures for experimental rigs, using technical documentation to guide design decisions. Manufacture and install electrical control panels/enclosures for new projects using a range of methods, including the safe and skilled use of hand tools, CAD software, and electrical applications. Select appropriately specified and cost-effective control systems to operate the panels. 
• Carry out, Plan & Organise Routine Work & Maintenance and be Responsive to Non-Routine Work & Maintenance whilst Referring to & Interpreting Technical Data/Documentation i.e. Electrical Drawing/Schematics. Perform Servicing & Diagnostics using appropriate Diagnostic Methods, Techniques & Tools. Inspection & Testing with the aim of Fault Finding/Resolution through appropriate tools, Equipment, Techniques, Procedures and Methods of Relevance. Modification and Repair of a range of existing Instrumentation and Equipment within the Department ensuring Failures and Breakdowns have Limited Impact upon day-to-day activity.

• Proficient in commonly used IT applications and relevant technologies and systems, including those specific to the role, such as CAD software (Fusion 360) and electrical applications. Experienced with Siemens TIA Portal (PLC), NI software like LabVIEW and FlexLogger (data acquisition), and KiCad (PCB design software).
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers and engineers to arrange in-warranty and complex repairs as needed, effectively addressing technical issues within the scope of responsibility. Communicate with relevant collaborators to ensure equipment failures are reported and repair timelines are clearly established.

• Maintain a detailed awareness and full dedication to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations ensuring Compliance to BS 7671 (18th Edition - The IET Wiring Regulations) & BS EN 60204/-1 (Safety of Machinery). Ensure that all staff and students work to high standards of health and safety at all times, complying with appropriate regulations, procedures/methodologies and systems as well as other relevant guidelines. Provide timely safety information and updates to staff, students and visitors. Carry out and document risk assessments on student and staff activities, maintain training records. Liaise with the School Safety Officer to ensure compliance with relevant statutory, quality, environmental legislation and University policy.
• Knowledge of planning techniques, time management, workflow, work scheduling, work plans, documents, including record keeping. To ensure work objectives are met. Delegating work to junior colleagues whilst providing Technical Training in the use of Materials/Equipment/Tools and Processes & Information pointing to Relevant Regulations as appropriate. 
• Deliver clear and effective communication to a variety of collaborators and project stakeholders within designated work areas and across the department, adapting approaches and methods to suit different audiences. This includes, but is not limited to, providing technical training, sharing technical information, communicating health and safety updates, policy/procedure changes, staffing updates, and information related to the day-to-day operation of the labs.
• Specify and procure materials, equipment and services, and carry out the requisition, ordering and goods receipt of teaching and research related purchases, ensuring alignment with the University’s Financial Regulations.
• Specify materials and supplies for research and teaching related purposes. Use SAP to requisition, order and goods receipt purchases, ensuring consistency with the financial regulations of the University
• 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 on 11/12/2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 15/12/2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-execsupport@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 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 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.

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.