Project Engineer - Automation

The University of Sheffield; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Project Engineer for Automation to be based at AMRC North West, handling automated assembly and robotics across aerospace, automotive, SMEs and high‑voltage battery pack assembly. A hands-on approach to design and integration of robotic equipment is expected.

You will lead project resources, coordinate with internal and external partners, and ensure on-time delivery while upholding quality standards. A relevant degree and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent experience).
• Strong engineering/scientific principles and the ability to make decisions on the use of complex technology.
• Experience with programming robotic arms.
• Experience with CAD software.
• Experience in performing experimental work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to present to customers and staff.
• Ability to coordinate resources and plan personal work with mentorship.
• Self-starter with ability to tackle new challenges.
• Creative approaches to problem solving.
• Experience monitoring project progression and customer communication.

Responsibilities

• System design and integration of robotic equipment within bespoke cells.
• Provide programming and integration guidance for software and hardware systems.
• Assist with the delivery of research projects within costs and manufacturing feasibility.
• Coordinate with industrial collaborators and suppliers.
• Report project deliverables in writing and verbally.
• Ensure processes comply with AMRC quality standards.
• Provide support for other staff as required.
• Research novel technology and its industrial applications.
• Manage project resources, track actions/deliverables, and liaise with partners.
• Source and purchase project equipment.
• Provide temporary assistance for other projects as needed.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade.

Skills

Robotics programming

CAD software

Experimental work

Project management

Communication skills

Resource coordination

Programming languages (Python/Java/C++

Education

Honours degree in a relevant subject

Tools

Python/Java/C++

Job description

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.

As a Project Engineer for Automation, you will be based in the area of Automation and Battery Manufacturing within the AMRC North West facility, this will cover a range of automated assembly and robotics applications across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, small/medium enterprise support and high-voltage battery pack assembly. We hope you will instigate a hands‑on approach when involved with the design and physical integration of robotic equipment.

Involvement in the AMRC North West project is a fantastic opportunity to influence the way products are being manufactured and to develop innovative solutions to industrial problems in the UK. You will deal directly with some of the most advanced technologies and companies in the world.

We would need you to have previous experience of working in a practical environment and a good degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent experience). You should also have excellent leadership skills and the ability to successfully coordinate project resources. It is key that you can work well within a project team made up of internal colleagues and external customers.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• System design and physical integration / installation of robotic equipment within bespoke cells to improve the efficiency and performance of machines.
• Provide guidance, assistance and technical advice with programming and integration of associated software and hardware systems.
• Assist with the delivery of research projects ensuring that they meet customer costs, requirements and manufacturing feasibility.
• Co-ordinate and liaise with industrial collaborators and suppliers.
• Report project deliverables, both written and verbally.
• Ensure all processes comply with the AMRCs quality standards.
• Supply support for other members of staff as appropriate and required.
• Research novel technology and its application into industry by researching into problem areas to advance basic knowledge and evaluate new techniques to solve those problems.
• Project management including managing resources, tracking actions/deliverables and liaising with project partners and suppliers.
• Sourcing and purchasing project equipment.
• Providing temporary assistance for other projects when required, to ensure they are completed successfully and on time.
• 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.

Essential criteria

• Have a good honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent experience). (assessed at: application)
• A good grasp of engineering and/or scientific principles and the ability to make decisions on the use of complex technology (assessed at: application & interview)
• Experience and knowledge working with programming robotic arm manipulators (assessed at: application & interview)
• Experience and knowledge working with CAD software (assessed at: application & interview)
• Experience in performing experimental work (assessed at: interview)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to present to customers and communicate to staff on all levels within the organisation (assessed at: interview)
• Ability to assess and coordinate resources, plan and progress personal work activities, with the support and mentorship of your line manager (assessed at: interview)
• Ability to work as a “self-starter”, capable of tackling new challenges and stretching oneself professionally (assessed at: interview)
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving (assessed at: interview)
• Experience of monitoring project progression and regular customer communication through either teleconferencing or face to face, for example verbal presentation. (assessed at: application & interview)

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of computer programming with experience in a scientific program language e.g., Python, Java, C++, C, C#, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Halcon, R, Maple, Visual Basic or similar (assessed at: application)
• Experience in using automation simulation packages such as discrete event simulation and robotic simulation (assessed at: application)

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £32,080 to £36,636

Work arrangement: Full-time

Line manager: Technical Fellow for Automation, AMRC North West

Direct reports: n/a

Our website: www.amrc.co.uk

For informal enquiries about this job contact

Evren Yasa on [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during w/c 2nd November 20206,This will consist of a 45-minute session, which will feature a 15-minute presentation and follow-up questions.

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 26th October. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Richard Heggie (see above)

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 and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• 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.

Criminal record Please be aware that there is a requirement for the successful applicant to undertake a Baseline Personnel Security Standard check (BPSS). Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the BPSS check when you are applying for this post. 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).

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.