Senior Technician: Geotechnical & Water in Sheffield

As a Senior Technician you will be an integral member of the Schools Geotechnical & Water Engineering Research Group. Based in the central university campus and ICAIR you will collaborate with other team members. You will take the lead role in the operation of specialist laboratory equipment and manufacture components for research activities, providing technical expertise to both staff and students. You will also be responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of the group's laboratories, ensuring they maintain a reputation for service excellence and exemplary health and safety.

You will provide technical expertise to undergraduate projects, postgraduate projects and other collaborators within the Faculty of Engineering. You will also carry out a number of activities to keep the laboratories recognised for their service excellence and outstanding health and safety standards, including maintaining health and safety documentation, managing data in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and staying proficient with office and CAD software. You will comprehend and analyse technical documentation, deliver outstanding customer service to colleagues and customers, and plan, allocate and work safely at all times in compliance with legislation, regulations and environmental procedures.

Hands on role with responsibility for the development and management of junior staff and, when required, deputising for the Technical Manager / Technical Specialist.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a comprehensive and proactive technical service to staff and students across both the School and wider University, involving design, development, installation, commissioning, maintenance, service and repair of experimental components, assemblies and rigs.
• Find solutions to routine and non‑routine manufacturing issues for a wide range of bespoke work, defining appropriate processes, techniques, tools and workholding methods to complete the work accurately and efficiently.
• Offer technical expertise across a range of research projects, planning, checking testing procedures, organising testing programmes, and managing the day‑to‑day operation of the laboratories for research and teaching activities across multiple facilities.
• Use mechanical workshop techniques including turning, milling, CNC machining, wire erosion, fitting, assembly, grinding, drilling and computational design packages, working to high tolerances safely and efficiently while understanding the underlying engineering principles.
• Undertake design consultations with students and staff to realise ideas or intended outcomes, evaluating drawings to optimise solutions, ensuring the appropriate engineering principals are forefront in the design, and providing continued advice and support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure a high level of customer service to students, staff and colleagues, acting as a proactive team player and responding promptly to enquiries to promote a positive and supportive working environment.
• Provide advice and mentorship on a range of technical issues, develop and deliver technical training on machinery, tools, processes and materials, and enable knowledge transfer to colleagues with an emphasis on training and delegating work to junior colleagues.
• Lead allocation of resources, ensure procedures, processes and quality standards are followed, and work with minimal supervision to support the objectives of the team, school and faculty, while supporting the Technical Manager with the daily running of the workshop facility.
• Carry out maintenance, servicing, modification and repair of a range of instrumentation and equipment, liaising with suppliers and engineers for complex repairs, and ensuring clear communication of repair timescales to relevant collaborators.
• Specify and procure materials, equipment and services for teaching, research and maintenance projects, using SAP for requisition, ordering and goods receipting, and providing quotes and costings for research bids.
• Maintain awareness and dedication to health and safety rules and regulations, ensuring staff and students work to high standards, providing timely safety information and updates, conducting risk, CoSHH and other assessments, and managing safety documentation and training records according to legislation and university policy.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

• Experience equivalent to Level 6 (Degree) qualification in a relevant field, with proven vocational skills inline with the job description.
• RSci or IEng with a recognised professional body relevant to the job description.
• IOSH Managing Safely.
• Develop and deliver technical training to others in the use of laboratory equipment and processes to meet the needs of the audience.
• Significant experience of maintaining, repairing and modifying a range of technical equipment.
• Proven general mechanical engineering workshop skill, including machining, fitting and use of standard equipment such as lathes, milling machines and precision measuring instruments.
• Proficient with CAD software for designing components and bespoke apparatus (AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Solidworks, etc.).
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant health & safety regulations.
• The ability to lead by example with a strong focus on developing and managing junior members of staff.
• An advanced knowledge of working with hazardous substances and other industrial gases.
• Ability to write clear and succinct technical reports and communicate them in verbal, presentation or written form to a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Provide full costing analysis for materials and equipment in relation to research bids.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development with 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. Access to menopause support in the workplace. Paid time off and support for fertility treatment. And more.