The University of Sheffield
Technician - Electrical and Furnace Maintenance
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Overview
As an Engineering Technician, you will be an integral member of our existing technical support team. Reporting to the Technical Specialist (Electronics/Electrical works) of the School Workshop Facility, you will support the School’s teaching and research activities by providing an effective and efficient technical service in the fields of electronics, electrical design, repair and maintenance.
This will include supporting undergraduate and postgraduate student projects as well as a range of academic research projects. You will adopt high working standards to ensure the Schools’ technical team continues to be recognized for its service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Technical Specialist (Electronics and Electrical Works) provide technical support to research and teaching.
- To work with your line manager, technical colleagues and researchers to design technical solutions in build and maintenance of deposition rigs, electronic / electrical systems and support good workshop practice.
- Manage and maintain a planned preventative maintenance schedule for furnaces across the school. Carry out repairs as necessary
- Writing of safety documentation for own work and in support of equipment operations or laboratory work.
- Carry out the training and induction of staff and students in use of general equipment.
- Carry out design, specification and building of equipment and safety systems.
- Assist in the training of staff and students in use of general equipment.
- Ensure maintenance of levels communal stocks and consumables. Liaise with suppliers, laboratory users and procurement team as necessary.
- Carry out general lab duties to maintain equipment and keep laboratories safe and tidy.
- Provide cover for core duties in absence of other members of the technical team.
- Report urgent repairs to Estates and Facilities Management in the absence of the team leader and with support of more senior members of staff as required.
- Responsible for PAT testing all new electrical equipment and adding to the asset database.
- Operate specialist equipment in support of research activities.
- Provide a point of contact for arranging courier services.
- Have fire marshal responsibilities.
- Attend suitable training courses as required.
- As a member of our Professional Services Staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework. Please follow this link for further information: Sheffield Professional Framework.
- 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
- A Higher National Diploma in an Electronics or Electrical Engineering based subject (or have equivalent work related experience in this field)
- Extensive experience of providing effective and efficient technical support
- Experience of training students/colleagues in workshop techniques
- Good knowledge of laboratory and workshop safety including risk assessments, SOP, COSHH, safe handling of cryogenic liquids, solvents and a range of gases
- Experience of designing (e.g. Solidworks), building, maintaining, repairing and modifying a range of technical equipment to meet the needs of research and teaching. Knowledge of furnaces, the ability to diagnose issues and repair using hand tools, power tools and machinery.
- The ability to carry out electrical repairs and custom modifications or builds independently or under guidance from your line manager. IET 18th edition, and the ability to put this into practice when working with electrical systems
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to work enquiries
- Ability to work within a team or independently when required
- Experience of working collaboratively as part of a wider team to deliver operational and strategic goals
- Ability to devise timely solutions with a high degree of accuracy and develop creative approaches to problem solving with an appreciation of longer-term implications
- Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout your own work area/department/organization
- Technical professional registration or the willingness to work towards this
Further Information
- Grade: 5
- Salary: £27,319 - £31,236 per annum with the potential to progress to £33,951 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: Open-ended
- Line manager: Technical Specialist (Electronics/Electrical works)
- 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.
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Andrew Crawford, School Technical Manager: on andrew.crawford@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 5500.
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Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 2 weeks after the closing date. This will consist of a panel interview and technical assessment (interpretation of drawings). We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@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; Technical Career Route.
- 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.
Closing Date: 04/11/2026
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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