Technician: Tribology & Rail 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.

In the role of Technician, you will primarily provide support to The Tribology and Rail Group, playing a key role within the department’s Laboratory Services Group One Team. You will also assist other groups within The School, such as the Dynamics and Thermofluids groups when required. Reporting to the Technical Manager of Laboratory Services Group One, you will be responsible for the design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance of specialised laboratory equipment, ensuring full compliance with statutory regulations, quality standards, environmental policies, and health and safety requirements.

You will work both independently and collaboratively to design and manufacture components and equipment that support research and teaching activities. Effective collaboration with the School’s Workshop Teams will be essential to achieving high‑quality outcomes while maintaining strict adherence to health and safety protocols. You will also provide technical expertise and guidance to both staff and students, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellent customer service.

The role will involve approximately 30% workshop‑based and 70% laboratory‑based work. Occasionally, you may be required to assist other departments within the Faculty of Engineering as operational needs arise.

• Provide students and staff with a high‑quality, detailed, and effective technical service across the School and the wider Faculty of Engineering.
• Demonstrate and train new users in the safe and effective operation of specialised university research equipment, maintaining full compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
• Take responsibility for the design and development of research test rigs and components, liaising with academic staff, students, and colleagues to ensure research objectives are successfully met.
• Produce and maintain required Health and Safety documentation, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments, in accordance with university policy.
• Independently manufacture components to high standards and precise engineering tolerances, utilising CAD software and other relevant technologies.
• Undertake reactive engineering problem‑solving and maintenance tasks to ensure the continued smooth and safe operation of the School’s facilities.
• Deliver a high standard of customer service to staff, students, and visitors.
• Make proactive suggestions for improving technical services and refer customers to senior colleagues where appropriate.
• Support the daily operation and maintenance of the workshop facility to ensure ongoing safe, reliable, and excellent service delivery.
• Assist and support senior technical staff in the day‑to‑day running of laboratory facilities to maintain consistent service excellence.
• As a member of the University’s Professional Services staff, demonstrate a clear commitment to the professional behaviours outlined in the Sheffield Professional Framework.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, as required by the Department or the Faculty of Engineering.

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.

• Minimum of a BTEC/NVQ Level 3 qualification or ONC/OND in a relevant subject area, supported by the completion of a formal apprenticeship and/or training programme, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands‑on engineering experience, with a proven track record of involvement in both design and machining work.
• Machining skills with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, capable of transforming design concepts into high‑quality physical products.
• Strong design proficiency, including expertise in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent) and the ability to conceptualise and create innovative tribology solutions.
• Proven experience providing technical support in a laboratory, workshop, or research environment.
• Experience in the design, manufacture, assembly, and maintenance of laboratory or research equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and maintain specialised laboratory machinery and measurement equipment.
• Experience working in compliance with Health and Safety regulations, including producing Risk Assessments and COSHH documentation.
• Excellent problem‑solving and fault‑finding skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with academic staff, students, and colleagues.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RSciTech, EngTech, RAnTech, ICTTech) or a willingness to work towards Technical Professional Registration.

Grade 5.1 Work arrangement Full‑time Line manager Technical Manager (Laboratory Services Group 1) Direct reports School Technical Manager.

• 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 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.

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.

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during the week of the 18th January 2026. This will consist of an interview with the possibility of recall to a practical workshop assessment. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10th January 2026.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jamie Booth at j.booth@sheffield.ac.uk.

For informal enquiries about this job contact: Jamie Booth, Technical Manager (Laboratory Services Group 1) at j.booth@sheffield.ac.uk.