Automation and Digitalisation Manufacturing Engineer
- Full-time
- Grade: 10
- Employee Group: Permanent
- Global Region: Europe
John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission‑critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies.
We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards.
John Crane is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, productive, and better‑connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defence, space & aerospace, and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs approximately 16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer to join the team. As a Manufacturing Engineer you will be involved in supporting the production areas, especially gas seal assembly and test, increasing OEE, quality RFT%, and reducing costs through process/layout improvements. Implementation of key projects aligned to business plan and the introduction/implementation of new advanced manufacturing technology. You will also be ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing processes and supporting daily production activities. The role involves providing critical support to Operations on process controls, addressing machine issues, and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
This role is based on our headquarters within Slough, working Monday to Friday normal office hours.
John Crane is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to crafting an inclusive environment for all employees.
Responsibilities
- Process Improvement & Digitalisation
- Map current‑state processes and design optimised future‑state workflows
- Implement automation solutions using Power Automate, Power BI, workflows, and other digital tools
- Identify and deliver process automation opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve accuracy
- Drive Continuous Improvement and Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, waste elimination, standardisation)
- Project Management & CapEx
- Lead manufacturing and CapEx projects from concept to implementation, ensuring delivery on time, on cost, and within scope
- Prepare cost estimates, budgets, schedules, and project justifications
- Support the introduction and integration of new advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment
- Operational & Production Support
- Improve OEE and area KPI performance across production departments
- Provide “hands‑on” shop floor support for daily issues in assembly, test, and machining areas
- Monitor process controls, resolve production bottlenecks, and support root‑cause analysis
- Data, Systems & Reporting
- Use SAP for production support activities including routing changes, BOM updates, and data analysis
- Build insightful KPI dashboards (e.g., OEE, RFT, downtime trends) using digital tools
- Engage with stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, and external suppliers to provide technical guidance and updates
- Documentation & Standards
- Develop, update, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, Visual Factory documentation, and manufacturing standards
- Support Control Plans, PFMEA development, and risk assessments for both NPD and existing processes
Skills and Experience
- Ambition & Drive
- Motivated and eager to grow within the role.
- Education
- Ideally a Bachelor’s degree from a top‑tier in STEM with 2:1
- Experience
- 3‑5 years industry experience preferred
- Previous experience in gas seal assembly and testing is preferred
- Experience in using Continuous Improvement tools and techniques would also be desired
- Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VA/VE) experience
- Advanced MS Office skills
- Proficiency in CAD
- Familiarity with operational / shop floor best practices and performance standards
- Decision making ability and good influencing / team working skills
- Time management and organisational skills
- Self‑driven with good attention to detail
With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross‑business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity.
Across our company, we recognise excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network.
Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc ).
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation and Digitalisation Manufacturing Engineer in Slough
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Smiths Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Smiths Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Smiths Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Smiths Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
