Power Electronics Engineer

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Power Electronics Engineer to work with the University of Sheffield and Mettler Toledo Safeline X-ray (SLXR) on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to develop next generation high voltage generators for X-ray inspection machines.

A KTP role is a unique opportunity to bridge between industry and academia where you take personal ownership of a project and of transferring technical knowledge within a company. An opportunity to work on cutting edge technology with real world applications.

Key elements of this role include design, implementation and testing of digitally controlled wide-bandgap power electronic systems such power factor correctors and high voltage inverters to improve X-ray generator performance. The candidate will lead this project, liaising with and assisting SLXR engineers in product development and in the journey towards commercialisation.

An important part of this role is your personal development. Being a KTP, a generous development and training budget of around £4000 is available to assist candidates in their continued professional development. The candidate will also be encouraged to register for an MPhil degree alongside this role.

Although the post holder will be employed by the University of Sheffield, they will be predominantly based at Mettler Toledo Safeline X-ray’s office in Royston, Hertfordshire and may be required to work from Sheffield occasionally.Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop a power supply subsystem for an X-ray inspection machine.

• Develop magnetics (transformers) for high voltage applications.

• Develop suitable and safe testing methods for effective testing of various high voltage sub-systems.

• Develop, simulate, implement and test power electronic conversion circuits.

• Support the development of embedded firmware (including digital controllers for power electronic circuits).

• Lead the project, monitor milestones and produce technical documents as required.

• Work with SLXR and the university to identify and protect intellectual property and work with commercial partners.

• Work within an existing agile scrum project management framework.

• Participate as technical lead in regular project meetings with Mettler Toledo Safeline X-ray and the university.

• Plan your own workload to ensure the overall project milestones and objectives are met on time.

• Engage fully with the requirements of the knowledge transfer partnership scheme, including personal development and reporting.

• Work across multiple sites, including at Mettler Toledo Safeline X-ray and the university.

• 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.

CriteriaEssential or desirableStage(s) assessed at

Have at least a Master's degree (PhD is desirable) or have equivalent experience in electronic, electrical or control engineering.

Essential

Application

Experience in designing, constructing and experimental testing of power electronic systems.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for magnetics or thermal devices.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of working on high voltage power electronic systems.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience with analogue/digital control for power electronics systems

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of using computer-aided engineering including PCB design, schematic capture, embedded programming and circuit simulation.

Essential

Application/interview

Evidence of working effectively in a team and presenting findings to a wide range of audiences.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems.

Essential

Application/interview

Appreciation of the commercial implications of decisions, particularly for costs.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to relocate to Royston, Hertfordshire.

Essential

Application

Have not previously worked on and completed an innovate UK funded KTP project.

Essential

Application

Experience in hardware and layout design for thermal management, EMC/EMI, circuit insulation and isolation.

Desirable

Application/interview

Experience of working on industrial projects.

Desirable

Application

Experience of working with wide-bandgap semiconductors.

Desirable

Application/interview

Further Information Grade

N/A

Salary

£42,000 - £55,000

Work arrangement

Full time

Duration

15 months with an indicative start date of 04/01/27

Line manager

Knowledge Base Supervisor

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Jack Forrester, Knowledge Base Supervisor: on jack.forrester@sheffield.ac.uk.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 30/11/26. This will consist of a presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 23/11/26. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, please contact eee_operations@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

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

What we offer

• 25days of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).

• 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

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

• access to menopause support in the workplace

• paid time off and support for fertility treatment

• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.