Technical lead

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.

Overview 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.

Main duties and responsibilities

• 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.

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 is 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 Stage(s) assessed at Extensive practical experience in CNC programming and operation, including advanced multi axis machining, delivering production ready, verified programs, and hands on experience machining a variety of materials, with deep expertise in composite materials (CFRP, thermosets, thermoplastics).

Application/interview Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., Siemens NX, Catia) and machining verification tools (e.g., CGTech Vericut) focused on production optimisation.

Application/interview Thorough understanding of engineering drawings, including GD&T, applied in a production environment.

Application/interview Strong practical knowledge of cutting tool selection, application, and optimisation for efficient composite material removal.

Application/interview Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to guide, train, and motivate teams to achieve production targets and quality standards.

Application/interview Excellent communication skills, providing clear and concise instructions and feedback in production settings.

Application/interview Strong organisational and time management skills for efficient resource allocation and workflow management.

Application/interview Proactive, problem solving approach to identify and resolve production related manufacturing challenges.

Application/interview Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures in manufacturing environments and commitment to achieving and maintaining high quality production standards.

Application/interview Relevant vocational qualifications (e.g., apprenticeship, HNC/HND, BEng, MEng, PhD) in engineering or related fields, combined with significant practical production machining experience and ability to meet deadlines.

Application/interview Expertise in developing and standardising composite machining processes, including work instructions, digital process monitoring, data analytics, troubleshooting, and lean principles to drive efficiency, repeatability, and industrial relevance.

Application/interview Ability to ensure industrial alignment and build team capability through aerospace/automotive standards, virtual machining, digital simulation, and mentoring staff for process improvement.

Further Information Grade 7

£38,784 to £47,389 per annum with potential to progress to £51,753

Work arrangement Full time

Duration N/A

Line manager Technical Fellow

Direct reports Our website

For informal enquiries about this job contact Oliver Hayes, Technical Fellow, on

Next steps in the recruitment process It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on within 2 weeks of the closing date, after which we plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact .

• A minimum of 41 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 (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• 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 Academic Career Pathways.
• 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.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.

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