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 Machine Technician working within the Operations Team, you will be required to operate, program and generally maintain a range of high-end CNC machine tools and willingness for continuous training on to new platforms such as grinding. Typically, you will be a time served apprentice with some experience from a similar manufacturing background. Working within our Integrated Project Teams, on advanced manufacturing projects, you will provide support and technical assistance when required on all aspects of machining associated with the projects. You will be expected to maintain and enforce the 5S and H&S approach to workshop cleanliness and housekeeping.
You might have a Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. The ability to collect machining and manufacturing data, a good eye for detail and accuracy are required at all times for this role. It is imperative that you are able to communicate effectively with other members of your team.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Operating and programming a range of highly specified CNC machining platforms. Grinding CNC machines desirable.
- Supporting others within the machine shop.
- Setting up projects and their associated equipment, ready for machining.
- Advising on specialist tooling and equipment, etc.
- Collecting machining and dynamic data for research project and use by Project Engineers and Managers.
- Be willing to provide technical advice, detailed information and offer support to derive a range of solutions.
- General maintenance of the workshop and machine tools.
- Support less experienced members within the machining group.
- Uphold a high standard of Health & Safety and 5S to main the cleanliness and safety of machine shop floor.
- Organise own working routines within project activities.
- Plan working methods and sequences for the manufacture of a variety of components and artefacts.
- Actively participate and contribute at IPT meetings by providing shop floor updates and relaying data collected.
- Take responsibility for projects whilst in the machine shop, and prioritise meeting deadlines and maintain standards, whilst assisting colleagues to plan for future work.
- Work as part of an integrated Project Team to deliver high quality research to major academic and industrial partners.
- Maintain and enforce the 5S and H&S approach to workshop cleanliness.
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
You should provide evidence in your application that you meet the following criteria. We will use a range of selection methods to measure your abilities in these areas including reviewing your online application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action relevant to the post.
The University of Sheffield is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, we commit to recruit and retain disabled applicants and support positive action. We encourage disabled people to apply for our jobs and to have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities at the interview stage. We commit to offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job. For further information on the Disability Confident Scheme, please follow the link.
Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at |
Qualified to HNC level or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent relevant experience). | Essential | Application / Interview |
Confident operating a variety of CNC Milling and turning machines. | Essential | Application / Interview |
Knowledge and understanding of health and safety (H&S) procedures within a manufacturing environment. | Essential | Application / Interview |
Familiar with measurement techniques such as on machine measurement. | Essential | Application / Interview |
Maintain up to date records and documentation in association with projects. | Essential | Interview |
Maintain up to date records and documentation in association with the relevant machine tools and equipment. | Essential | Interview |
Ability to work within and communicate within an Integrated Project Team and work alongside Project Management teams (IPT). | Essential | Interview |
Evidence of work-holding and fixture solutions such as Engineering drawings, CAD models as well as evidence of the effects of clamping & damping of components. | Essential | Interview |
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and continuous improvement. | Essential | Application / Interview |
Experience of Grinding platforms and application. | Desirable | Application / Interview |
Evidence of CADCAM experience (for example, Siemens NX & Dassault Systemes Catia and other software packages used for turning, milling, probing, drilling etc.) or Engineering Drawing Examples (Components, Stage Drawings, Tooling etc.), GD&T Interpretation. | Desirable | Application / Interview |
Further Information
Grade | 6 |
Salary | £32,080 - £36,636, with potential to progress to £39,906. |
Work arrangement | Full time on site |
Duration | Permanent |
Line manager | Workshop Manager |
Direct reports | |
Our website | www.amrc.co.uk |
For informal enquiries about this job contact: on Lewis Nicholson, Workshop Manager: lewis.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk | 0785110490. |
Next steps in the recruitment process
This will consist of an interview and a tour of the shop floor at Factory of the Future. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Lewis Nicholson, Workshop Manager: lewis.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk | 0785110490.
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
- 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.
Closing Date : 17/02/2026
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.