Engineer Advanced Manufacturing

WIDIA; Latrobe (Westmoreland County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer in Latrobe, PA. The role ensures successful product integration into manufacturing, aligning resources and processes with strategic requirements.

You will manage initiatives such as new product introductions, transfers, and readiness projects, applying Kennametal’s stage-gate process for structured delivery. Responsibilities include leading Manufacturing Readiness improvements, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving risk

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, materials science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing, engineering, or operations.
• Demonstrated project management with global, cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of Manufacturing Readiness processes.
• Manage multiple Manufacturing Readiness projects to ensure timely execution.
• Interface for manufacturing-related inquiries including plant capabilities and costs.
• Support tools to ensure production readiness (PPAP, production releases, DFMEA, PFMEA).
• Identify readiness risks and drive mitigation strategies for project success.
• Track and communicate project metrics and milestones to stakeholders.
• Drive proactive systems to strengthen Manufacturing Readiness and execution.

Skills

Project management

Manufacturing experience

Data-driven decision making

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, or related field

MS/MBA or certifications preferred

Tools

PPAP

PFMEA

DFMEA

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title

Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Location

Latrobe, PA (Hybrid)

Job Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring the successful integration of products into manufacturing operations. Success is measured by the effective monitoring and achievement of key performance indicators, including safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This is accomplished by aligning global manufacturing resources, capabilities, and processes with strategic product and sourcing location requirements.

The role encompasses the management of initiatives, including new product introductions, product transfers, product reactivations, and strategic improvement projects within the metal cutting industry. In addition, the position drives proactive efforts to prepare manufacturing facilities for these activities, ensuring operational readiness and execution excellence. All product introductions are executed in accordance with Kennametal’s stage-gate process to ensure structured, efficient, and high-quality project delivery.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Manufacturing Readiness processes to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Facilitate and manage multiple Manufacturing Readiness projects to ensure timely and successful execution.
• Serve as the primary interface for manufacturing-related inquiries involving product manufacturing needs, manufacturing process requirements, plant capabilities, plant capacities, and cost analysis associated with Manufacturing Readiness initiatives.
• Support and implement tools to ensure production readiness, including PPAP, production releases, DFMEA, PFMEA, cost analysis, and capital investment planning.
• Proactively identify manufacturing readiness risks and drive mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Track, analyze, and communicate key project metrics, milestones, and business objectives to stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Develop and implement proactive systems and methodologies to strengthen Manufacturing Readiness initiatives and improve overall execution.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’S degree in engineering, materials science, or a related field; advanced degree (MS/MBA) or relevant certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a related role within manufacturing, engineering, or operations.
• Demonstrated project management expertise with the ability to lead global, cross-functional teams.
• Proven experience managing projects across the full lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Desired Experience

• Experience with cutting tool manufacturing processes.
• Direct experience managing product transfers and manufacturing process transitions.

Due to the nature of the operations at this facility, consideration as an applicant is limited to individuals who are either a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident. An expression of interest from anyone who is not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident will not proceed for consideration as an applicant.

Equal Opportunity Employer