Research Engineer

Overview

We have a rewarding opportunity in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering for someone with a passion for Engineering excellence, looking to use their skills and experience in Microelectronics to make a significant impact to the UK’s ability to integrate a wide range of electronic circuits to produce complex system architectures.

The University of Sheffield is leading a key national “Innovation Knowledge Centre” that will develop Heterogeneous Integration techniques for complex system architectures using different types of microelectronic circuits such as Optoelectronics, Quantum, Radio devices, etc. whilst ensuring secure communication and secure systems architecture. Our Centre for Heterogeneous Integration of Microelectronic and Semiconductor Systems (CHIMES) is aligned with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy alongside the UK National Semiconductor Strategy. Our shared goal is to build a sustainable national capability in the Design of Heterogeneous Integrated Microelectronic and Semiconductor Systems.

You will join a warm, highly collaborative and diverse academic department where your skills and insights will enrich our research community. As an engineer you will work with, and alongside, research staff within the department, generating new and novel integration solutions. You will also build meaningful professional relationships with other world-leading UK Universities (Sheffield, Southampton, Manchester, Kings College, Oxford, Cambridge, Queen’s Belfast, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Strathclyde) and Commercial Collaborators to provide the best possible solutions for a wide range of Heterogeneous Integration needs.

As this role embraces a broad understanding of system architectures, it offers a supportive environment to continuously learn, grow your skill set and develop expertise in different types of microelectronic circuits and integration techniques.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Collaborate on meaningful engineering projects, both independently and alongside team members within the University of Sheffield CHIMES community.

• Continuously build your knowledge to explore Heterogeneous Integration technology, learn standard techniques and solve specific integration requirements and connectivity problems.
• Support colleagues in gathering, interpreting and understanding engineering data, working together to reach insightful conclusions.
• Propose and implement improvements to current team workflows and methodologies.
• Plan short-term projects within your focus area and contribute constructively to broader team goals.

• Manage your daily engineering and administrative activities with ongoing guidance, support and access to the necessary laboratory, workshop and research resources.
• Connect and communicate openly (orally, in writing and digitally) with Sheffield teammates, IKC partners and external stakeholders, including sharing technical insights through clear reports and engaging presentations.
• Participate in inclusive, shared decision-making with colleagues across engineering and research initiatives.
• Connect with team members, the Engineering Director and the wider CHIMES community through regular meetings, as well as representation at conferences and industry events.
• Maintain a thoughtful awareness of safety within the workplace, fostering a secure environment for yourself and your peers.
• 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 | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at

A first degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, related discipline or equivalent industrial experience. | Essential | Application

Experience in Electronic Hardware Design and an understanding of Electronics Systems Integration. | Essential | Application and Interview

Ability to work within a project team. | Essential | Application and Interview

Ability to communicate, both written and verbally (e.g., report writing and presenting work). | Essential | Application and Interview

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a local engineering team and the wider Heterogeneous Integration IKC. | Essential | Application and Interview

Ability to prioritise and manage own workload and work to strict deadlines. | Essential | Application and Interview

Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) and a track record of making contributions to engineering development. | Essential | Application and Interview

Flexible approach to dealing with engineering problems as they arise. | Essential | Application and Interview

Willingness to learn and develop. | Essential | Application and Interview

Ability to identify solutions to engineering challenges through research, as directed by senior colleagues. | Essential | Application and Interview

An understanding of standard die packaging, Chiplet based designs, multi-chip modules (MCMs) and System in Package (SiP). | Desirable | Application and Interview

Some knowledge of different types of circuit interfaces and interconnects. | Desirable | Application and Interview

Further Information

Grade | 6

Salary | £32,722 - £35,302

Work arrangement | Full time (35 hours per week); hybrid/flexible working arrangements considered

Duration | 36 months

Line manager | Engineering Director

Direct reports | None

Our website | sheffield.ac.uk

For informal enquiries about this job, contact Dr David Jackson, CHIMES Engineering Director - d.l.jackson@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during the week commencing 14/12/26. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 07/12/26. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact eee-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38days 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.
• Generous pension scheme.
• 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 and Technical Career Routes.
• 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

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

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.

Baseline personnel security standard

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.