Laboratory Technician in Leicester

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 Lab / Pre Production Process Technician in Leicester where you will be a key influential member of the global Tech and Innovation team.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The role is to join the pre‑production processing team at Grove Park to carry out skilled processing steps taking Optical Variable Device (OVD) masters from exposed plates to step and repeated production masters for application in the brand authentication and high security business of Crane Authentication. The role will begin with practical training in the process steps which include:

• Vacuum metalising of OVD master plates from Ebeam, laser and other origination facilities
• Electroforming of nickel copies of the micro and nano structures
• Recombination of image elements using UV replication techniques in a cleanroom environment
• Production of large area step and repeated masters for mass replication in various Crane sites in the UK, Europe, US and Asia

Critical factors regarding quality assessment of OVD structures will be included, and the training will cover health and safety aspects regarding the use of the systems involved and safe operation in the laboratory environment at Grove Park. Following the training, the applicant will be integrated into the team and assume responsibility for various aspects of jobs going through the system. The role will require liaison with production and R&D teams to ensure turnaround times and supply of suitable masters. The role will include reporting of status and undertaking quality assessments of jobs as they progress and keeping output to schedule. Liaison with the compliance team is also required to ensure working environments, equipment and processes comply with ISO quality and security standards. An important aspect of the role will be to establish and maintain a continuous improvement program for the facilities and to work with production and R&D teams to support and implement the development of new processes, products and equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

After training, ensuring efficient and safe operation of all UV replication, metalising and electroforming facilities, recombination and step and repeat machines. To work as part of the Grove Park pre‑production processing team. Liaise with laboratory management, design and origination and production teams and R&D to ensure smooth operation and processing of jobs through the facility.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to inspect and ensure quality to a very high level, and report and take appropriate action during the processing steps. Industry and/or laboratory experience essential, preferably working in cleanroom conditions. Experience with micro‑structures at the micron scale, electroforming and UV replication techniques is an advantage. Working in a precision orientated industry with associated requirements for control of processes and reporting. May have to travel to other sites to support activities.

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.