The University of Sheffield
Development Engineer
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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 have an opportunity for a Development Engineer to join our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Composite Centre, where you will be working within a team of engineers in an exciting and dynamic environment and playing an active part in the Composite Centre’s pursuit of innovation, using new technologies and materials to enhance the UK manufacturing on the global stage. We are looking for candidates with a passion for engineering, composite technology, machining, and creative problem-solving, with a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards.
You will contribute to the research objectives of the Composite Centre, whilst supporting the delivery of several concurrent world-leading research and development projects as part of a team of researchers in an exciting and dynamic environment. Responsibilities will include planning of projects and resources, regular communication with customers and partners, delivery of projects to timescales, and technical problem-solving.
This role will involve assisting with the Composite Centre’s expansion and furthering its goal of using new technologies and materials to enhance UK manufacturing on the global stage.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Plan and develop research manufacturing processes and technology to aid the centre in its aim to be the premier research facility at the cutting-edge of composite material manufacturing research.
- Develop skills and knowledge to become a source of technical expertise in composite manufacturing technology for centre staff and customers.
- Responsible for the successful and timely delivery of research & development projects within the centre by designing and developing appropriate research methodologies to address research objectives.
- Responsible for the coordination of project tasks within the Centre.
- Present project results and methodology to committees, staff, customers, and other groups.
- Contribute to the review and progress tracking of projects by analysing the results of tests and experiments.
- Prioritise own workload over the short/medium term, considering long-term implications.
- Plan for and manage short-term projects and contribute knowledge towards long-term projects.
- Lead relevant ad-hoc project teams to successful completion, including effective resource management using government or EU funding streams.
- Work with the quality department to ensure standards are relevant and maintained.
- Using technical knowledge of Composite functions, carry out project scoping, develop project plans, and manage projects technically and financially, to agreed timescales.
- Manage project resources, which will include negotiating additional resources as required.
- Write up project findings in a manner that will both satisfy industrial partners and provide the basis for further publication in journal articles or books.
- Carry out long-term planning to facilitate the length, research, and safety of the projects.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognizes 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: Have a good honours degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field (Composites, Aerospace, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, etc.)
- Essential: Specific technical knowledge in an area of the following: composite manufacture, composite design and modelling, FEA, composite tooling, composite machining, smart materials, or textiles.
- Essential: Effective communication skills (both written and verbal), report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations and communicating to staff and industrial customers at all levels.
- Essential: Experience of working as part of a team with the ability to convey instructions and understand concerns and problems.
- Essential: Ability to analyse and develop creative approaches to problem-solving shown through adapting own skills to new circumstances.
- Essential: Ability to make informed decisions for a team to facilitate progress.
- Essential: Ability to assess and organise resources, plan, and progress work activities.
- Desirable: Experience of managing development projects and interfacing with partners at all levels.
- Desirable: Experience in the delivery of Research & Development or improvement programmes
Further Information
- Grade: G6
- Salary: £32,080 - £36,636 (with potential to progress to £39,906 through sustained exceptional contribution)
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: [Not specified]
- Line manager: Technical Lead
- Direct reports: [Not specified]
Right to work in the UK
This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.uk. If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Andrew Crane, Senior Project Manager: on a.crane@sheffield.ac.uk
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Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 17th August 2026. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24th August 2026. If you need any support, equipment, or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact staffing@amrc.co.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 with access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Technical Career Route
- A range of generous family-friendly policies including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support in the workplace, 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
Baseline personnel security standard
This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.
Closing Date: 21/08/2026
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.
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