Principal Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Engineer to join the John Crane Slough Innovation team reporting to the Innovation Director. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer specialising in dry gas seals, you will serve as a subject matter expert, driving the design and development of advanced mechanical seals for gas compression applications. This role requires an in-depth understanding of performance, reliability, and cost optimisation principles, with the ability to lead projects from concept to completion while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to the innovation and continuous improvement of engineering practices, leveraging advanced simulation software and conducting rigorous feasibility studies. Additionally, you will mentor junior engineers, guide NPD initiatives, and participate in technical forums as a representative of John Crane. Your expertise in mechanical seals will play a critical role in delivering high-quality solutions that meet customer requirements and elevate industry standards.

This role is open to being based from either our Slough, Pasadena or Morton Grove site working Monday to Friday normal office hours. (hybrid working)

John Crane is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to crafting an inclusive environment for all employees.

Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to)

• Lead the design and analysis of mechanical seals, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and cost requirements.
• Participate in consultative reviews of NPD projects associated with Gas Compression Product Lines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, product testing, and manufacturing engineers, to develop integrated solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, providing technical direction and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Conduct feasibility studies and perform risk assessments on proposed designs.
• Utilise simulation software to create detailed designs, prototypes, and specifications.
• Develop and oversee testing plans and validation processes to ensure designs meet required standards and customer needs.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements to drive continuous improvement in engineering practices.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and documentation.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including clients and management, regarding project status and technical challenges.
• Could participate and guide industry technical forums on behalf of or representing John Crane

Qualifications

• - Extent Mechanical Engineering Experience
• - Be a Subject Matter expert in Dry Gas Seals
• - Proficient in failure diagnostics and root cause analysis

Additional Information

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 race, 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)