Hello – I’m Sideqe Askre, an Engineering Technician at the University of Sheffield’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I am responsible for seven communication labs, equipment maintenance, training and inductions, health and safety paperwork and internal and external customers.
The Millimetre-Wave Measurement facility, used by students, academics and industry professionals, is available for tests on antennas, wafer dies and other small devices. We pride ourselves on a collaborative approach and are keen to support and engage with potential users through different routes such as grant proposals and technician-driven testing.
Sheffield’s equipment is unique and reconfigurable. Until recently, we were the only university in the UK to have an NSI Spherical Scanner. The technology has a Four-port network analyser that goes up to 50 GHz and unit extenders that reach 115 GHz, a high-frequency range. This enables us to scan equipment to see behaviour and notice patterns such as radiation. We also have a Keysight Four-Port VNA and MPI TS150-THz wafer probe station.
My role requires a mix of technical problem-solving, research and practical applications, bridging theory and real-world solutions. Beyond the lab, I manage projects, support research, and ensure the facilities meet the needs of industry and academia. I completed a master's degree in Aerospace Materials at the university and a 12-month placement at Teks Sarl Ltd, which was crucial for improving my understanding of the industry.
What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
I enjoy working with high-tech equipment. From concept to prototype, I use advanced tools! One of our academics has designed a spherical scanner with different material surfaces, allowing me to measure data from angles as small as 0.5 degrees. Accessing specific details with such precision is incredibly helpful, but rare.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
I had to troubleshoot mmWave lab equipment under a tight deadline, crawling around the NSI Spherical Scanner and improvising with spare parts. It was chaotic but exciting and finding quick, creative solutions made it memorable.
What excites you most about working in telecoms?
Exploring new frontiers in telecom research, testing cutting-edge technologies in our mmWave measuring facility centre and collaborating with global partners. This keeps us at the forefront of telecom advancements, impacting the industry in real time.
What would you like people to know about your work?
People might be surprised to know that I am also responsible for creating content on our website and social media pages, and keeping them up to date. I try to stay active on LinkedIn. Please feel free to connect with me.
Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
A thriving telecom ecosystem drives innovation and global competitiveness. By connecting research with industry, we help develop new technologies, train future engineers, and strengthen the UK’s leadership in telecom.
