The University of Sheffield
Research Engineer - Connectivity
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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
As a Research Engineer at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), you will have the opportunity to apply the skills you have developed through your career to solve real-world manufacturing problems. Working within a team of multiple disciplines at the Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG) to develop novel solutions for the high-value manufacturing sector, you will conduct research into specific technical fields, including Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Digital Thread. As a research engineer, you will be responsible for leading the technical delivery of projects in your area of expertise, delivering continuous improvements to IMG processes and building AMRC’s reputation in IIoT.
You will be expected to deliver tasks and support the work of junior colleagues, work to set timescales, operate within a diverse team and contribute to the successful completion of projects. You will also contribute to scoping new projects based on your previous work. Your work will encompass all aspects of working with manufacturers, large and small, to identify and deliver projects aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, quality, and sustainability.
In this role you will be expected to continuously develop your skills and keep abreast of emerging technologies in a specific field. You will use these skills to help IMG deliver tangible impact to the UK high value manufacturing sector.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead delivery of technical project tasks related to industrial connectivity, acting as a recognised source of expertise within your specialist area.
- Plan, design and conduct experimental work, synthesising outputs into clear technical recommendations and project reporting deliverables.
- Take responsibility for organising and prioritising your own workload and resources to meet project objectives, timescales and quality requirements.
- Communicate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through written reports, presentations and stakeholder discussions.
- Represent the AMRC in stakeholder engagement activities with industrial and academic partners, contributing technical expertise and developing collaborative relationships.
- Lead or contribute to the development of solutions to complex manufacturing and highly technical engineering problems, considering longer-term technical and operational implications.
- Collaborate with colleagues across multiple teams to coordinate technical activities, plan workloads and support successful project delivery.
- Research, evaluate and apply novel technologies, techniques and methodologies to advance capability and solve specific manufacturing challenges.
- Contribute to technical planning, continuous improvement activities and the development of working practices within your specialist area.
- Adhere to and promote the AMRC’s quality management system and health and safety requirements, supporting a culture of safe and compliant working.
- Write technical Engineering reports, and technically review the reports of peers in your specialist area.
- Provide mentoring, coaching and technical assistance to peers and less experienced colleagues where required.
- Attend and contribute to conferences, trade shows and industry events as a representative of the AMRC, presenting work and developing external networks where appropriate.
- Support project delivery outside of your immediate specialism where required, contributing engineering expertise across multidisciplinary activities.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- 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 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
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Have a good honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent industrial experience).
Essential
Application
-
Ability to work independently and to guide others within a team and manage own time effectively.
Essential
Application and interview
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Ability to communicate, both written and verbally (e.g. report writing, presenting work).
Essential
Application and interview
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Experience of developing solutions to complex and highly technical problems in the field of IIoT.
Essential
Application and interview
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Awareness of business systems such as product lifecycle management and manufacturing execution systems.
Desirable
Application and interview
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Experience with industrial connectivity and communication protocols (e.g. MQTT, OPC UA).
Essential
Application and interview
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Knowledge of artificial intelligence and how it can be applied in a manufacturing environment.
Essential
Interview
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Knowledge of approaches to system resilience, scaling, and concurrency (e.g. BEAM)
Essential
Application and interview
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Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how digital technologies are utilised.
Essential
Application and interview
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Software development and script-based programming (e.g. Python, Javascript, Java)
Essential
Application and interview
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Familiarity with Unix-like operating systems, terminal commands, and containerisation tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
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Essential
Application and interview
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Willing to develop skills in specialised fields such as graph databases, ontological data models.
Essential
Application and interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £47,389 per annum. With potential to progress to £51,753 though sustained exceptional contribution.
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
12 month fixed term contract. 01/09/2026 - 31/08/2027
Line manager
Lead Engineer
Direct reports
Technical Fellow, Senior Technical Fellow
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Jon Hall, LeadEngineer: on jon.hall@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 215 8200
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview with a test activity, which will include a tour of our Factory 2050 facility. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact jon.hall@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 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
- 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.
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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