At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure efficient production processes and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Crane Authentication, a leader in innovative security solutions with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on mentorship and career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that makes a real impact on product quality and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience; 1-3 years in manufacturing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a partner to businesses and governments, Crane Authentication offers expertise and cutting-edge innovations that protect and enhance products, secure identities, safeguard revenues and enforce compliance. Customers from different business sectors and levels of government trust our team of 1,250 people for their expertise in R&D, security design, engineering and data-driven insights. We are an integral part of Crane NXT, a c$2 billion dollar business with over 5,000 associates.
As part of our growth we are looking for a Production Engineer in Washington, Tyne and Wear where you will be a key influential member of the global Commercial team.
Position Summary & Objective
A Production Engineer ensures stable, efficient, and safe production across printing, coating, converting, finishing, and related manufacturing processes. The role combines hands-on operational support, data-driven continuous improvement (DOE/SPC/CI), technical troubleshooting, and project delivery (ranging from small OEE improvements to capital installations up to £1M). The role is both specialist and generalist as required by the site’s operating model.
Essential Functions Performed by the Position
- Operational Excellence & Daily Support: Monitor and control critical operating parameters to ensure product quality and reduce defects, spoilage, and downtime. Ensure the smooth running of manufacturing processes, including troubleshooting equipment issues and supporting operators. Maintain manufacturing areas and optimize equipment and machinery.
- Continuous Improvement & Analytics: Plan and execute CI initiatives leveraging DOE, SPC/6-Sigma methods; present data, conclusions, and recommendations to drive measurable gains in yield, OEE, and cost. Implement incremental process upgrades to improve quality, cost, delivery, safety and environmental performance. Identify and implement process improvements and share best practices across sites. Support CBS activities/Kaizens.
- Documentation & Standards: Produce and maintain technical documentation (e.g., specifications, job jackets, equipment parameters, process reports, and capacity reports). Support all factory APQP activities and documentation of standards across all assets. Support internal and external audits completing technical corrective actions as necessary.
- New Product Introduction (NPI): Partner with Product Development and Manufacturing to commercialize new and updated products. Ensure a robust handoff into production, supporting stable ramp-up and long-term capability.
- Projects & Equipment: Identify, justify, specify, install, and commission new or refurbished assets. Deliver factory improvements ranging from small OEE upgrades to £5k–£1M projects. Support maintenance and operations teams to address asset reliability and efficiency challenges.
- People Enablement: Provide mentorship/technical support to process operators.
Success Metrics in Production Engineering: Yield and scrap/spoilage reduction; first-pass yield and complaint rate improvements. OEE uplift and downtime reduction; on-time project delivery and budget adherence. Stable NPI ramp (time-to-qualify, process capability indices) and effective documentation quality.
Position Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline preferred (Chemical/Mechanical advantageous); or equivalent technical qualification (HNC/HND) or NVQ Level 3 with strong relevant experience.
Experience: 1–3+ years in manufacturing/engineering; background in printing, coating, converting and/or flexographic environments is advantageous (or similar batch/continuous processes). Demonstrated experience leading engineering/process improvement activities and troubleshooting production issues.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency with DOE, SPC/6 Sigma methods, and data analysis/presentation. Ability to work with MRP/ERP systems and Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); project planning tools (e.g., MS Project) are beneficial. Multi-skilled mindset (mechanical/electrical, and ideally software controls) with strong problem solving; able to partner across Operations, Quality, Product Development, and Maintenance. Awareness of lean techniques and operational excellence practices. Excellent communication skills. Ability to prioritize and work to deadlines.
We value diversity at our company. Everyone who applies with the qualifications will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, colour, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We receive a high number of applications, so apologies if we are unable to provide specific feedback. If we feel you are a fit for the role, we’ll be in contact.
Production Engineer - GB employer: Crane Authentication Career
Contact Detail:
Crane Authentication Career Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineer - GB
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Crane Authentication on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Production Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss DOE, SPC, and continuous improvement methods confidently. We want to see that you can bring those skills to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled production issues in the past. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Crane Authentication.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Engineer - GB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Engineer role. Highlight any relevant engineering qualifications and manufacturing experience, especially in printing or coating processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement or tackled production challenges in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with tools like DOE, SPC, and MRP/ERP systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical know-how and problem-solving abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crane Authentication Career
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering fundamentals, especially in areas like printing, coating, and converting processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you applied techniques like DOE or SPC to improve production efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled production issues in the past. Think about times when you had to troubleshoot equipment or implement process improvements. Highlight your analytical skills and how you used data to drive decisions.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share experiences where you mentored colleagues or partnered with product development to ensure smooth transitions into production.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the company’s approach to continuous improvement or how they handle new product introductions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.