Research Associate - Failure Detection in Rotating Machinery in Sheffield

Research Associate - Failure Detection in Rotating Machinery in Sheffield

Sheffield Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Sheffield

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop failure detection solutions for next-gen aviation electrical generators.
  • Company: Join a world-leading research team at the University of Sheffield.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and retail discounts.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment with diverse backgrounds and excellent development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable flight with cutting-edge aerospace technology.
  • Qualifications: PhD in engineering and strong mechanical engineering background required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Are you a mechanical engineer with a passion for aerospace innovation? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our world‑leading research team and play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of aviation electrical generators. In this critical role you will develop failure detection solutions to ensure that “more‑electric” gas turbine engines meet the rigorous safety and reliability standards required for sustainable flight. Your work will directly inform the design of the Rolls‑Royce UltraFan engine, taking your research from the laboratory to a full‑scale demonstrator engine. You will develop new models of mechanical failure and devise detection systems robust to the extreme environments of a gas turbine engine.

Responsibilities

  • Develop physical experimental designs and mathematical models to validate failure hypotheses in complex bearing systems.
  • Join a diverse team of electrical and control engineers, providing the mechanical expertise essential for creating integrated detection algorithms.
  • Design and test sub‑scale rigs to validate your algorithms in a practical setting.
  • Lead on mechanical modelling while supporting mastery of signal processing and machine learning, expanding your technical toolkit and delivering a robust failure detection solution.

Qualifications

  • A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • A strong background in mechanical engineering, specifically regarding failure mechanisms of bearing systems.
  • The ability to work across disciplines to fuse complex signals into actionable data.
  • A desire to lead the authorship of high‑impact journal papers and present results to our industrial partners at Rolls‑Royce.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable and inclusive 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.

Benefits

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a generous annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more at www.sheffield.ac.uk/benefits and join us to become part of something special.

Research Associate - Failure Detection in Rotating Machinery in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation. As a Research Associate, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working opportunities, all while contributing to groundbreaking research in aerospace engineering. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, this role offers a unique chance to grow your expertise in a supportive environment dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation technology.

University of Sheffield

Contact Details:

University of Sheffield Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Failure Detection in Rotating Machinery in Sheffield

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace and mechanical engineering fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Research Associate role!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects related to failure detection and mechanical modelling. This can be a game-changer during interviews, as it gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially the Rolls-Royce UltraFan engine. Be ready to discuss how your background in mechanical engineering aligns with their goals. We want to see your passion for innovation shine through!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our world-leading research team!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Failure Detection in Rotating Machinery in Sheffield

Mechanical Engineering
Failure Detection Solutions
Experimental Design
Mathematical Modelling
Signal Processing
Machine Learning
Complex Systems Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your mechanical engineering background and any relevant experience with failure detection in rotating machinery. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about aerospace innovation and how your expertise can contribute to our research team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.

Showcase Your Research Experience:If you've got a PhD or equivalent experience, make sure to highlight your research projects, especially those related to mechanical failure mechanisms. We’re keen to see how your work can inform the design of cutting-edge aviation technology.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around failure mechanisms in bearing systems. Be ready to discuss your PhD research and how it relates to the role, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.

Show Your Passion for Aerospace

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for aerospace innovation during the interview. Talk about what excites you about developing failure detection solutions for gas turbine engines and how you see your work contributing to sustainable flight.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions that assess your understanding of mechanical modelling and signal processing. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with a diverse team of engineers.

Highlight Collaboration Skills

Since this role involves working closely with electrical and control engineers, be prepared to discuss your experience in interdisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you can contribute to creating integrated detection algorithms.