Job Description

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.

& 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.