Technical Lead, Manufacturing ​/ Production, Manufacturing Engineer

School/Department:
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Work Arrangement:
Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:
Permanent

Closing Date: 05/01/2026

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 (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Are you passionate about how future products get made and empowering a team to deliver high‑quality results? The AMRC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Technical Lead to guide and develop our composite machining team. In this pivotal role, you will lead a diverse group of staff, fostering their skills in CNC programming and operation to efficiently undertake research relating to the production of composite parts for a range of exciting industrial applications.

Your focus will be on translating innovative research into practical, production‑ready solutions, ensuring we meet the demanding timelines and quality standards of our valued partners. You will champion a collaborative and inclusive team environment where everyone feels supported to learn, contribute their unique perspectives, and achieve their full potential. If you have a strong background in CNC machining, particularly with composites, and a knack for inspiring and developing others, we encourage you to apply and play a key role in shaping the future of composite manufacturing at the AMRC.

• Provide technical direction and day‑to‑day leadership to the project team in CNC machining, ensuring efficient, sustainable, accurate, and high‑value production of composite parts.
• Take guidance from, and support, senior research staff to align machining activities with composite machining research objectives and experimental programmes.
• Work with project managers and senior research staff to plan resources, structure datasets, analyse machining performance and part quality, report research findings.
• Develop and deliver targeted training in CNC programming, machine operation, troubleshooting, and digital manufacturing practices relevant to composite machining.
• Lead teams in generating and implementing robust CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Siemens NX, Catia) with integrated process monitoring and validation.
• Develop, enhance and maintain a database that supports the research team in effectively selecting cutting tool parameters, machining strategies, and work‑holding methods, supported by process data analytics for optimisation.
• Mentor project team members in applying best practices, optimising machining parameters, and leveraging data‑driven insights for repeatable, cost‑effective outcomes.
• Apply hands‑on technical expertise in material removal rates, tool life optimisation, defect minimisation (e.g., delamination, burring), and digital monitoring of machining performance.
• Ensure compliance with quality and tolerance requirements of aerospace, automotive, and related sectors, supported by structured data collection, statistical process control and reporting.
• Coordinate and deliver machining tasks within projects, applying digital manufacturing tools to track progress, monitor machine health, and ensure adherence to research and production schedules.
• Promote safe working practices, strict adherence to Health & Safety, and contribute to the development of standardised processes and digitalised SOPs for composite machining.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

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…