Engineer Advanced Manufacturing

Kennametal; Latrobe (Westmoreland County); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to drive manufacturing readiness and integrate new products into operations at our Latrobe, PA facility in a hybrid setting.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage NPI transfers, and ensure readiness through PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and cost analysis. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to deliver on KPI targets and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering or operations.
• Strong project management with ability to lead global, cross‑functional teams.
• Data-driven decision making and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of Manufacturing Readiness processes.
• Manage multiple Manufacturing Readiness projects to ensure timely execution.
• Serve as primary interface for manufacturing-related inquiries (process, plant capabilities, costs).
• Support tools to ensure production readiness (PPAP, product releases, DFMEA/PFMEA).
• Identify readiness risks and drive mitigation strategies.
• Track and communicate project metrics, milestones and business objectives.
• Develop proactive systems to strengthen Manufacturing Readiness initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Organized

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/materials science

MS/MBA or certifications preferred

Tools

PPAP

Production releases

DFMEA

PFMEA

Cost analysis

Capital investment planning

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