Assistant Project Engineer (Student Placement) in Sheffield

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, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

Over the course of your placement as an Assistant Project Engineer in The Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG), you will support delivery of research projects with a primary focus on Computer Vision for manufacturing applications, such as automated inspection and component validation. Housed within The AMRC’s innovative Factory 2050, the team has grown organically over the last seven years and needs placement students to support the delivery of its extensive portfolio. Working with some of the largest names in manufacturing, your work will encompass the implementation of Computer Vision concepts, including image processing, machine learning for visual inspection, and AI, within a manufacturing environment. Your work may also involve developing novel demonstrators for Computer Vision solutions to showcase potential process improvements to manufacturing companies. You will work alongside other Engineers to deliver research that has real-world benefits.

You will be a student studying a STEM subject with a clear understanding of the application of Computer Vision and digital technology in the manufacturing environment. We are looking for diverse abilities, including good organisational skills and the ability to research, problem solve, design, and implement ideas in a hands-on environment. This role requires a practical approach, a positive demeanour, and a confident communicator.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake the research and development vital to achieve project aims, with the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Continuously monitor and check progress against project milestones and targets.
• Co-ordinate with industrial collaborators to agree project deliverables and update on project progress.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure all project equipment is available for set timescales.
• Work closely with the IMG team to deliver quality solutions.
• Report on project work, both written and verbally to the team and to customers.
• Ensure all processes align with The AMRC’s quality standards.
• Research novel technology and its application through into industry to support new technology implementation in manufacturing.
• Connect with customers to discuss Research & Development activities.
• Adhere to The AMRC’s standard methodologies for development.
• Travel as necessary to support project activities.

As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible. Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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 are 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

• Be working towards a good honours degree.
• Experience of working with at least one of the following: Computer Vision / Image Processing Software development and script-based programming e.g. Python, Java, C++/C#, or other Networks and connectivity.
• Ability to assess priorities and manage deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations.
• Experience of successful team working, including teams made up of internal colleagues and external customers with varied skill sets.
• Ability to analyse and solve problems using novel approaches with an appreciation of longer-term implications.
• Ability to make decisions on the day-to-day use of complex technology.
• Experience of the down selection of technology and materials to achieve a project objective.
• Experience monitoring progress against a budget.

Further Information

Grade 3.3 £23,742 per annum

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 3rd August 2026 – 30th July 2027

Line manager: Lead Engineer / Senior Technical Fellow

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: www.amrc.co.uk/

For informal enquiries about this job contact Edwin Anarcaya Roca, Research Engineer, Data, Connectivity & AI: on e.roca@amrc.co.uk or on 0114 215 8200

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in April 2026. This will consist of an interview, including a brief presentation, followed by a short tour of the facility. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 23rd March. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact imgplacementenquiries@amrc.co.uk.

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.
• 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 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.

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: 02/04/2026

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 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.