Field Applications Engineer in Sheffield

Rivelin’s mission is to bring advanced robotics to the mainstream. We exist to unlock the automation of jobs that are too hazardous, strenuous, or unpleasant to do by hand. Skilled metalworking and machining are vital crafts for manufacturing the everyday items we rely on. As job preferences move away from manual labour, we aim to accelerate the transition toward safer, cleaner digital manufacturing powered by software, mechatronics, and AI. We’re seeking resourceful, collaborative optimists who see opportunities instead of roadblocks. You’ll join a dynamic, growth‑oriented team, shaping the future of manufacturing as our first Field Applications Engineer.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be the technical face of Rivelin in the field, owning the lifecycle of our microfactories and software at customer sites. You naturally put yourself in the customer’s shoes — listening to their goals, constraints, and pressures — and use that understanding to shape how our technology is deployed. You enjoy leading from the front: coordinating people, making clear decisions, and taking responsibility for delivering solutions that work on the customer’s shop floor. The role spans three core areas and requires both hands‑on engineering and strong leadership.

• Field Deployment
  • You’ll ensure new systems move smoothly from contract signature to productive operation on the customer’s shop floor. Responsibilities include:
  • Travel to customer sites to support hardware engineers during final site assembly and commissioning of Rivelin Microfactories.
  • Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) including planning, execution, documentation, and customer sign‑off.
  • Lead Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) including planning, execution, documentation, and customer sign‑off.
  • Act as the “glue” across deployment stages, coordinating internal teams and customer‑side stakeholders to keep projects on track.
  • Lead training and handover sessions for operators and engineers.
  • Design and deliver clear onboarding materials and best‑practice guides for customers.
  • Orchestrate work at each gate, ensuring the right tasks happen at the right times, rather than doing everything personally.
• Applications Engineering
  • You’ll work hands‑on with real parts and processes to prove out applications, optimise performance, and help customers get value from our NetShape® platform. Responsibilities include:
  • Use NetShape® and our robotic cells to machine and finish metal parts in Rivelin‑powered microfactories.
  • Develop and run process recipes for near‑net‑shape manufacturing and finishing across: casting and forging, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), additive processes such as powder‑bed fusion, cold spray, wire arc, and directed energy deposition (DED).
  • Support sectors such as aerospace, medical, defence, energy, and renewable energy.
  • Design fixturing concepts and select tools, defining what is needed without necessarily manufacturing the fixtures yourself.
  • Set up and run trials, inspect and interpret results, and iterate to achieve the required quality, cycle time, and robustness.
  • Capture outcomes in practical, visual formats — typically short videos and concise notes rather than long formal reports — to share with customers and internal teams.
  • Provide feedback to the software and hardware teams through troubleshooting insights and feature requests based on real‑world system use.
• Late‑Stage Platform Testing — QA
  • You’ll also support internal quality assurance for major releases of our platform and hardware. Responsibilities include:
  • Contribute to bespoke QA programmes for major releases, such as new tools and end‑effectors, major new software features, calibration improvements, and advanced capabilities such as force control.
  • Plan and execute late‑stage tests that mirror real‑world customer applications, using the same skills and workflows as in Applications Engineering.
  • Document results clearly and feed them back to product, software, and hardware teams to ensure robust, production‑ready releases.

Who You Are

You may be a good fit if you have:

• A degree, apprenticeship, or significant industrial experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with robotics, automation, or industrial machinery deployment, such as robot cells, CNC or machine tools.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
• A practical, hands‑on mindset and enjoy being on the shop floor with tools in hand.
• Confidence working directly with customers.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisation and proactivity, with the ability to manage multiple customer projects, track actions, and keep everyone aligned.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to customer sites in the UK and internationally.
• Experience with CAD software, ideally Fusion 360.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, especially IEC 61131‑3.
• Experience with the Beckhoff TwinCAT environment.

This role involves hands‑on work in real manufacturing environments. You should be comfortable with:

• Spending significant time around Microfactories and industrial machinery at both Rivelin and customer facilities.
• Being on your feet for extended periods.
• Regular bending, reaching, and moving around fixtures, parts, and tooling.
• Working mainly on the production floor rather than at a desk.
• Operating within general manufacturing conditions.
• Occasionally flexing your hours, including the odd long day or weekend, to support critical customer milestones such as go‑lives, SATs, or troubleshooting.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Headquarters in Sheffield, with access to world‑class climbing, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, boutique coffee roasters, award‑winning craft beer, and a lower cost of living. On‑site gym. Direct, immediate impact in a dynamic start‑up environment. Diverse and varied tasks, adapting quickly to customer priorities and market demands. 31 days holiday, including bank holidays.