Manufacturing Production Engineer

Crane Building Services & Utilities; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Hitchin is seeking a skilled engineering professional to optimize manufacturing processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years' experience in high volume manufacturing, exhibit strong engineering skills, and possess excellent communication abilities. This role involves collaboration across various teams and ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 standards while fostering a culture of quality and safety within manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on engineering skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive implementation of Lean practices to eliminate waste.
• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain product conformity.
• Lead root cause analysis for process-related issues.

Skills

Lean tools

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving methodologies

Time management

Job description

Reporting to the Value Stream Supervisor, this role is responsible for providing engineering support and expertise to Value Stream to optimise process capability, efficiency, and output. This includes the development, implementation, and continual improvement of manufacturing tools, processes, and systems in alignment with IATF 16949 standards. This role ensures that all activities are executed within agreed timelines while maintaining compliance with quality management requirements and driving best practices in process engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing activities within the Value Stream, utilising Kaizen events, SMED, Six Sigma, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Drive implementation of Lean practices to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and optimize flow throughout the workplace.
• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements, focusing on robust process controls and defect prevention.
• Support DFMEA and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for new products.
• Ensure all process and assembly equipment meets safety, quality, and capability standards, preventing hazards and ensuring ergonomic compliance.
• Specify, procure, and validate manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures to meet production and quality requirements.
• Support adherence to IATF 16949 standards by ensuring robust process documentation, risk assessments, and control plans.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain product conformity and drive corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, 8D).
• Develop and improve Health & Safety practices for all processes, ensuring compliance with site policies and legal requirements.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through process optimisation, value engineering, and capital expenditure recommendations.
• Provide accurate product costings and feasibility analyses to support business objectives.
• Work with cross-functional teams to support New Product Development by ensuring manufacturing processes are integrated from concept to launch.
• Prepare and submit reports detailing capital expenditure requirements, including justification and cost analysis.
• Establish and maintain process capability studies and monitor performance against control limits.
• Lead root cause analysis for process-related issues and implement permanent corrective actions.

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years’ relevant experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment supported by strong hands‑on engineering skills and a passion for continuous improvement. They will possess excellent time management and prioritization skills in conjunction with excellent communication and influencing skills developed through the delivery of cross‑functional projects and the engagement of stakeholders. Applicants will be able to demonstrate initiative, drive and a strong desire to achieve results through the use of Lean tools and processes.

ABOUT US

Crane Building Services and Utilities (BS&U) is part of the Fluid Handling Division of Crane Co. founded in 1855, which is a global, multi‑industry, New York Stock Exchange quoted company. We design, manufacture, package and market engineered flow control solutions for the HVAC and Utility sectors, with strong sales into key growth export markets.

The name Crane speaks of who we are, what we stand for and how our customers perceive us : A company with history and tradition, but also a company that is innovative, quality minded and one which acts with integrity and still holds to the resolution of its founder.

Crane Co. was founded on 4th July 1855 by Richard Teller Crane who made the following resolution :

"I am resolved to conduct my business in the strictest honesty and fairness; to avoid all deception and trickery; to deal fairly with both customers and competitors; to be liberal and just towards employees; and to put my whole mind upon the business."

The essence of this resolution is the business policy of Crane Co. today.

We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity is key to our success and as such we are seeking applications from candidates who will contribute their different backgrounds, cultures and experiences to our business.