Senior Technician (Manufacturing Capability)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Hybrid working where applicable

Staff discounts and benefits

Mentoring and development schemes

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Senior Technician focused on Manufacturing Capability to enable fabrication, assembly and testing of complex systems. Based in the Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG), you will mentor apprentices and support delivery of challenging projects with hands-on guidance and continuous improvement of processes.

You will apply your experience in design, fabrication, build and testing within manufacturing environments, ensure safety and standards compliance, and

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject and have completed a time-served apprenticeship (or equivalent industrial experience).
• Proven ability to machine, build and conduct functional testing of complex systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stay updated with new developments within the technical area to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in solving technical problems and demonstrating safe working practices in implementing solutions.
• Experience working to industry standards, including health and safety policies, and ensuring relevant compliance regulations are met.
• Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery safely within a workshop or lab environment.
• Experience in using 2D and/or 3D CAD software such as NX/Inventor/Catia/Solidworks/Autodesk
• IT Skills across Microsoft Office suite, basic to intermediate standard.
• Willingness to develop technical knowledge and skills further, including mentoring apprentices and contributing to their professional growth.
• A solid understanding of other engineering fields to ensure the safe construction, testing, and maintenance of systems and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Enable IMG’s capability for fabrication, assembly and testing of complex systems, meeting project specs, timelines and safety standards.
• Implement and use new machinery while ensuring safety compliance with technical standards.
• Create and interpret technical drawings and documentation.
• Solve complex installation issues and other technical problems.
• Uphold IMG’s machinery standards through new and existing equipment.
• Support project hardware requirements, including procurement, testing plans, lifting plans and risk assessments.
• Provide high-level technical knowledge in machining, fabrication and assembly to internal teams and external clients.
• Mentor apprentices and junior technicians; help them develop necessary skills.
• Write clear technical reports and communicate findings to stakeholders in various formats.
• Use CAD packages to design solutions and assess designs via finite element analysis.
• Deliver excellent customer service to customers and colleagues, identifying needs and responding appropriately.

Skills

Machining & assembly

CAD software

Apprentice mentoring

Health & safety

Technical documentation

Problem solving

Education

Level 5 qualification

Tools

NX

Inventor

Catia

SolidWorks

AutoCAD (Autodesk)

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.

Overview

As a Senior Technician focused on Manufacturing Capability, you will be responsible for enabling the fabrication, assembly and testing of complex systems, across a variety of manufacturing applications.

Based in the Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG), you will work with the automated assembly team, providing hands‑on support to ensure the successful delivery of complex projects. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of the company’s systems and processes while ensuring compliance with relevant safety and technical standards.

The ideal candidate will hold a Level 5 qualification and be working towards their Level 6 qualification. Have proven experience in design, fabrication, build & functional within manufacturing and assembly environments. In addition to your technical expertise, you will serve as a mentor to apprentices, offering guidance and support in their development while being open to learning and adapting to new technologies and systems as required.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsible for enabling IMG’s capability for fabrication, assembly and testing of complex systems, across a variety of manufacturing applications, ensuring project specifications, timelines, and safety standards are met.
• Responsible for the implementation and use of new machinery, while ensuring safety compliance with technical standards.
• Create and interpret technical drawings and other relevant documentation.
• Responsible for solving complex installation issues and other technical problems.
• Responsible for upholding IMG’s new and existing machinery through the implementation of industrial and IMG standards.
• Support project hardware requirements, including procurement, completion of functional testing plans, creation of lifting plans and authoring risk assessments.
• Provide high-level technical knowledge and expertise in machining, fabrication and assembly for both internal teams and external clients, contributing to project success.
• Serve as an apprenticeship mentor, offering guidance and training to junior technicians and apprentices, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.
• Write clear and succinct technical reports, and be able to communicate these to a wide variety of stakeholders, in a variety of methods, for example verbally or in presentation or written format
• Use of CAD packages to generate design solutions and assess designs using finite element analysis.
• Understand the importance of delivering excellent customer service to customers and colleagues, including identifying needs and responding appropriately in line with the situation and organisational style/culture
• Provide technical guidance and expertise to others within IMG and the AMRC.
• Understand and comply with the AMRC’s statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations
• 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

Hold a Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject and have completed a time-served apprenticeship (or equivalent industrial experience).

Proven ability to machine, build and conduct functional testing of complex systems in a manufacturing environment.

Ability to stay updated with new developments within the technical area to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Experience in solving technical problems and demonstrating safe working practices in implementing solutions.

Experience working to industry standards, including health and safety policies, and ensuring relevant compliance regulations are met.

Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery safely within a workshop or lab environment.

Experience in using 2D and/or 3D CAD software such as NX/Inventor/Catia/Solidworks/Autodesk

IT Skills across Microsoft Office suite, basic to intermediate standard.

Willingness to develop technical knowledge and skills further, including mentoring apprentices and contributing to their professional growth.

A solid understanding of other engineering fields to ensure the safe construction, testing, and maintenance of systems and equipment.

Further Information

Grade

6

Work arrangement

Full-time

For informal enquiries about this job contact David Kay,Lead Engineer (Automated Assembly): on [e-mail]

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision

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.
• 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 Technical Career Route
• 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

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. Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the check when you are applying for this post.

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.