Product Development Engineer (Materials & Data) (KTP Associate @ SBD Apparel)

Fixed term (24 months)

Full time – 37 hours per week

Closing date: 09/09/2026 at 23:30

The Role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a high-impact, industry-focused project to inform product design based on the intersection of sports engineering and materials science with a market-leading, global company.

You will work closely with both Sheffield Hallam University and SBD Apparel, developing and implementing data-driven testing methodologies to inform material selection and product development. It will appeal to individuals passionate about applying research in a real-world manufacturing environment, offering the chance to directly innovate and influence the next-generation of strength sport apparel while gaining valuable experience across academia and industry.

The Company Partner

SBD is a global sportswear brand, designing and manufacturing market-leading performance products for strength sports. Our team is proud to craft all our products in the United Kingdom, with the majority fully manufactured at our headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Rotherham.

Our commitment to quality has seen our products become the standard among strength athletes in gyms across the world, including those competing in the World’s Strongest Man, the IPF World Powerlifting Championships, and the IWF World Weightlifting Championships.

The Project

The project will support SBD’s continued innovation by developing an advanced, data-driven framework for the testing, evaluation and selection of materials used in strength-sport technical clothing and supports. The project will investigate how material properties influence performance, durability and comfort across different training and competition contexts. By integrating experimental testing, data analysis, and product design considerations, the project will enable more informed, evidence-based materials choices and support the development of the next-generation strength sport products.

You will work closely with SBD’s product development and manufacturing teams, embedding new testing methodologies and technical knowledge within the company, strengthening SBD’s capability to innovate and deliver performance-led products at all competition levels.

Benefits

Sheffield Hallam offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment. 

This appointment also carries a range of benefits including:

• A generous training and personal development budget, with allocated time to further develop your technical skills.
• Off-site KTP management training
• Gaining experience in managing and delivering a high-profile project for a global sports apparel company.
• The opportunity to register for a higher degree for which tuition fees will be waived (if applicable)
• Complimentary breakfast and lunch when working onsite at SBD headquarters
• 40% Staff discount on SBD products
• Complimentary strength sports events tickets 

Although the appointment duration is 24 months, it is possible that a permanent position may be available within the company upon successful completion of the project where you can take a leading role in technical development.

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