Job Description

Join us in the 'Steel City', the manufacturing heartland of the UK and the birthplace of Ossila.



At Ossila Sheffield, you'll share ideas, pool resources, and gain new perspectives to better understand complex problems, find solutions, and create with likeminded innovative thinkers. The most significant scientific breakthroughs of the last century were only made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of diverse and agile teams, and this has also been the key to our success over the last decade and a half. Having been founded by academics at the University of Sheffield, collaboration is an ingrained part of our culture.



Now based in a former steelworks in Attercliffe, our unique space is home to our main office, manufacturing floor, distribution center, and fully equipped chemical laboratory. This is the perfect place for us to continue our rapid expansion as an international company; we are proud to represent the tradition of innovation and invention that makes Sheffield the culturally, professionally, and environmentally rich city that it is.



Apply today to join the core of everything we do.

R&D Placement: Embedded Systems Engineer

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Salary:

19/hour

Hours:

Flexible hours to fit around academic commitments (typically 8 hrs/week during term time, and 30 hrs/week outside of term time)

Location:

Windsor St, Sheffield (part-time, on-site working essential)

Application Deadline:

15/12/2025

Start Date:

As soon as possible



We are seeking a highly motivated PhD or master's engineering student to join our R&D team in researching new technologies for future products based on embedded systems, including modern microcontrollers and FPGAs.

About the Role

At Ossila, our R&D team has significant expertise in the applications of the products we develop and the fundamentals of engineering and control systems. We manufacture a wide range of scientific equipment in Sheffield, including thin-film coating equipment and opto-electrical testing systems using microcontrollers. We are actively branching out into FPGA ecosystems to enhance the capabilities of new products and develop high-speed data acquisition systems.



As a Placement Engineer, you will initially focus on one key R&D project from concept to prototype. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a sub-system. Your responsibilities will centre on tasks such as:


Designing and implementing firmware for various microcontroller and/or FPGA platforms (e.g., Raspberry Pi Pico, STM32, Lattice) to control precision scientific instruments. Contributing to the setup of a toolchain and ecosystem for FPGA development and creating Hardware Description Language (HDL) applications related to high-speed data digitisation, digital signal processing, and low-latency control. Contributing to the design, validation, and verification of custom PCBs and analogue/digital circuits built around microcontrollers and FPGAs to prototype new products. Developing structured tests and documentation to rigorously validate and verify that the embedded system meets the product requirements. Optimising prototype designs by pairing off-the-shelf components with custom, precision manufactured parts. Producing and iterating on product prototypes rapidly. Working with application scientists and engineers who will guide your research and help assess the performance of prototypes.

This position is part-time and focused solely on a single project. We believe this is ideally suited for somebody currently pursuing PhD or master's degree in engineering, offering you high-value, ownership-driven commercial experience that fits around your research schedule.



As part of a small and fast-growing company, you will work both collaboratively and independently. When required, you will work under your own initiative and take responsibility to solve problems.

About You

We are looking for self-starting students who possess strong foundational skills and are eager to learn and apply new technologies. You should be passionate about embedded systems, keen on problem-solving, and enthusiastic about the full lifecycle of product development--from coding and circuit design to validation and verification.


Enthusiasm and a proactive approach to taking ownership of a technical sub-system and iterating on its design. You hold or are pursuing a PhD or master's in electronic engineering, computer engineering, robotics, computational physics or a similar degree. Demonstrable experience in one of the following domains: + Hands-on experience with C/C++ for embedded system development (e.g. bare-metal or RTOS) in academic projects, personal projects, or previous roles.
+ Hands-on experience with HDL programming (Verilog, SystemVerilog or VHDL) gained through academic projects, coursework, or personal development.
Foundational understanding of digital electronics engineering and circuit design principles. Experience in the assembly, testing, and debugging of prototype devices, demonstrating a methodical approach to problem-solving. A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the resourcefulness to research and test solutions independently, supported by our experienced R&D team. You enjoy being part of a team and fostering a collaborative environment. You are keen to continue your personal learning and development.

Your skills and experience may also include:


Experience with specific microcontroller platforms (e.g. Raspberry Pi, STM32, SAMD). Knowledge of open-source FPGA ecosystems (e.g., SymbiFlow, Yosys). Experience in the full lifecycle of development, including version control. Design of electrical and mechanical systems and use of CAD software.

Why Work with Us?

Joining our team means you become part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. At our Sheffield site, we offer:


Genuine flexibility where academic progression is prioritised A potential path to full-time employment as an R&D Engineer upon successful completion of your studies A long-running, discretionary profit share scheme Regular 'tea and cake Tuesdays' where we catch up with each other Free on-site parking with marked bays Secure bike storage and shower facilities Open-plan collaborative office/lab spaces

Working together in-person is an essential part of Ossila. We value the collaborative, knowledge-sharing moments that happen over a cuppa, and this is why our roles are office based. If you are someone who shares this perspective and are enthusiastic about joining Ossila in our Sheffield office, we want to hear from you.

About Us

Ossila is a small but high-growth business which manufactures and supplies scientific equipment, materials, and laboratory supplies to institutions around the world. Our aim is to help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery. To do this, we are looking to continue our rapid expansion with a view to building a world-class company of significant size and stature over the next five years. Formed by academics from the University of Sheffield, we now employ over 50 people across our offices in the UK and the Netherlands.



We pride ourselves on our high-quality products, excellent customer support, and accessible prices. Our customers can be found in over 100 countries (approximately 85% of our sales are exported) and include many of the world's leading research institutions. We have won both the Institute of Physics award for innovation and the King's Award for export.

How to Apply

To apply, email us at recruitment@ossila.com with a personalised covering letter. This is your chance to tell us why you are interested in the position and how your skills, experience, and qualifications make you a good fit. No agencies please.

Why Work At Ossila?

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Competitive salaries



With regular performance-based pay reviews



Profit share scheme



Long running discretionary bonus scheme



Pension scheme



Pension scheme with employer contributions



Regular social events



Tea and cake meetings, BBQs, Christmas party and more



On-site parking



Free parking with marked bays reserved for employees



Modern office spaces



Recently renovated with fiber backbone network



Fully equipped lab



Purpose-built lab in Sheffield for synthetic chemistry and device testing



Cycle friendly



Secure bike storage and shower facilities