Senior Project Engineer

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

Are you an engineer or STEM professional with a thirst for knowledge and a talent for picking up new skills quickly? Do you thrive on a mix of hands-on experimental work and in-depth data analysis? We're looking for a fast-learning individual with strong transferable research skills to join our team as a Senior Project Engineer. This is your chance to make a real impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment!

Our projects are collaborative, involving multiple partners working on cutting-edge and innovative technology, both those we develop in-house and those from our partners to provide solutions to industrial problems.

In this role, you will be instrumental in overcoming challenges in advanced manufacturing processes. Working on a diverse range of projects, ranging from explorative research in machining of novel materials that drive significant step change improvements for our customers, through to manufacturing demonstration components and features.

You will conduct engineering tasks including, programming, verification, simulation, data capture and data analysis. Experienced Project Managers, Technical Leads, and Technical Fellows will be there to support you. They will mentor you to succeed while you guide Junior Project engineers in their development.

We require a background of relevant technical research and/or delivery of sophisticated machining projects. A strong CAD/CAM background is beneficial.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Technically support the delivery of high-quality and machining projects in the Machining Group.
• Research, analyse, collate and edit data and techniques for inclusion in reports and other documents to summarise main findings and conclusions of tests and experiments.
• Implement and coordinate the preparation of materials such as work pieces, tooling, and fixtures. Set up equipment for experiments developed to meet research objectives and find solutions.
• Develop skills through external or on the job training, suitable to accomplish the engineering and project tasks required.
• Communicate data and results to internal and external collaborators at all levels in a professional and concise manner.
• Plan and carry out tasks and responsibilities over the short-medium term, with an awareness of longer-term issues to meet the research objectives set in a project.
• Produce detailed and accurate project documentation such as statements of work, experiment methodology and quality gate sheets.
• Perform machining activities as required by the project.
• Working alongside the Project Management team to plan and order appropriate tooling, materials and hardware ahead of project requirements.
• Work alongside The Machining Group, Central Team and operational staff to enable smooth transitions of project deliveries and to facilitate machining demonstrations.
• 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

Educational or Technical Background: A STEM degree (e.g., engineering, materials science etc…) or Equivalent Experience demonstrating a robust understanding of scientific principles and problem-solving.

Essential

Application

Technical Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of machining processes and implementation with the ability to work without direct supervision.

Essential

Application

Information Management: Skilled in managing information, including capturing, carrying out, and following up on actions.

Essential

Application

Communication & Collaboration: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Ability to demonstrate supportive interactions and comfortable working effectively within small and large teams.

Essential

Application/Interview

Initiative & Learning: A genuine desire to embrace "on-the-job" technical guidance and training opportunities to expand your knowledge and capabilities.

Essential

Application/Interview

Adaptability & Problem-Solving: The ability to creatively analyse and solve problems, considering both immediate and long-term implications. This includes effectively planning, monitoring, and revising your approach as circumstances change.

Essential

Interview

Resourcefulness: The ability to assess and organise resources, and to plan and progress your own work activities with appropriate support.

Essential

Interview

Technical Software: Experience with CAD/CAM software and NC machining hardware

Essential

Application/Interview

IT Proficiency: Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office

Essential

Application

A willingness to work on defence related projects

Essential

Application

Experimental Work: Experience in performing practical experimental work.

Desirable

Application/Interview

Communication Exposure: Experience in writing reports, delivering presentations, and communicating effectively with staff at all levels.

Desirable

Interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

£38,784 – £47,389 with potential to progress to £51,753 through outstanding contribution

Work arrangement

Full-time - Permanent

Line manager

Technical Fellow

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://www.amrc.co.uk/

For informal enquiries about this job contact Daniel Whitehead, Technical Fellow: on [email protected]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 2 weeks following interview completion. This will consist of a 50-minute interview, including a 10-minute presentation (topic to be confirmed on invite to interview).

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Daniel Whitehead – [email protected]

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
• 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.

Security checks

Please be aware that there is a requirement for the successful applicant to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

Please be aware that there is a requirement for the successful applicant to obtain Security Check Clearance (SC) . Please note you must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria

Closing Date : 13/10/2026

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, backgrou

nds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.