Mechanical Engineer OR Technical Specialist – Product Testing

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. 

As a Test Engineer III, you’ll be part of our Technology group supporting new product testing and prototype development. This hands-on role focuses on the assembly, operation, and measurement of mechanical seals and test rigs to ensure product performance and reliability.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer or experience Technical Specialist. This position reports to the Test Lab Manager. The Mechanical Engineer/Technician is integral to supporting the prototype testing team across various aspects of product testing and equipment development. This includes understanding unique testing requirements, identifying the necessary equipment, and creating test plans and experiments to ensure accurate and reliable results. The engineer will also produce detailed reports with graphed test data, present findings to the wider team, and provide insights into key test events. A key aspect of the role involves designing, assembling, and commissioning prototype test equipment, as well as developing new processes, procedures, and software tools to enhance efficiency and consistency. Additionally, the engineer will be responsible for producing 3D and 2D designs of test rigs, performing hand calculations, and conducting simulations like FEA/CFD to validate new designs. They will also contribute to project planning, cost estimations, and CAPEX business cases, while managing their own schedule effectively. Ensuring a safe work environment and applying safety and organisational practices like 5S is essential.

John Crane is an equal opportunity employer.

Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to)

Key Responsibilities:

•Understand unique product testing requirements and identify test equipment needs

•Create test plans and experiments

•Produce detailed reports with graphed test data, concluding the outcome of tests

•Present data to wider group and provide insight on key test events

•Create new processes and procedures

•Produce detailed project plans

•Help assemble and lead project teams, present updates to project stakeholders

•Produce project costings and develop CAPEX business cases

•Develop design 3D and 2D designs of mechanical test equipment and assemble tools

•Check and sign-off on complex drawing and rig designs

•Produce detailed piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for test setups

•Build and commission of prototype test equipment

•Complete hand calculation and simulations (FEA/CFD) to validate new rig and equipment design

•Carry out FMEA's on new designs

•Work in a safe manner; understanding, applying, and promoting general safety practices

•Work in an organized manner; understanding, applying, and promoting 5S

•Self-manage own schedule, providing commitments and executing effectively

•Contribute to and/or lead team improvement projects

•Apply a methodical approach to fault finding and RCAs: for both testing equipment and new products i.e. isolation of variables

•Documentation: Project scopes, SOP's, equipment manuals

•Mentor and develop the less senior engineers

Education:

• Technical Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related Engineering field preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in a technical, mechanical, design, or test lab environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in the full lifecycle of test design, development, and execution.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Apprenticeship or experience in manufacturing or R&D environments is an asset.
• Strong documentation and data reporting skills (logging, summarizing, presenting results).

Skills:

• CAD: 3D Modeling and 2D Drafting
• GD&T, Limit and Fits

• Strong understanding of analysis tools FEA, CFD

• Strong numeracy skills a plus

• Ability to apply hand calculations to solve problems

• Engineering/physics fundamentals

• Ability to understand electrical and pneumatic systems

• Logical approach to fault-finding and troubleshooting

• Documentation and technical writing

• FMEA and Risk Assessments

• Collaborative and detail oriented.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and curiosity
• Excellent organization, communication, and time management skills
• Safety and quality-focused mindset

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 recognize 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 color, 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)