Engineer Materials Science - Product Development

WIDIA; Latrobe (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking an Engineer Materials Science - Product Development in Latrobe, PA to lead grade development for metal cutting applications. You will work with Global R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales to develop, test, scale, and commercialize new tool materials and technologies.

The role emphasizes material innovation, product lifecycle management, and customer-focused solutions that drive growth. Strong PM, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher preferred.
• Experience with cemented carbides, ceramics, and/or PVD/CVD coating processes preferred.
• Understanding of metal cutting applications including turning, milling, and drilling preferred.
• Familiarity with tool wear mechanisms and machining performance evaluation is a plus.
• Experience with cutting tool design, cutting tool manufacturing processes, or materials analysis techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Grade Development projects under supervision utilizing Kennametal's stage gate process.
• Plan and execute global R&D projects as a Project Leader or contributing team member.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Customers to support growth initiatives and increase market share.
• Prepare and evaluate experimental materials through metal cutting tests and analytical materials characterization techniques.
• Analyze and summarize test results and communicate findings to cross-functional project teams.
• Support product scale-up activities and transition new products into manufacturing.
• Assist with commercial launch activities in partnership with manufacturing and marketing teams.
• Develop expertise in material properties and performance characteristics related to metal cutting applications.
• Conduct customer visits to evaluate machining requirements and support field testing of newly developed products.
• Review cutting tool material portfolios and contribute recommendations for product lifecycle management.
• Participate in technical discussions and provide recommendations based on analytical findings.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance, material development, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrate strong project management, technical communication, and collaboration skills while working within cross-functional and global teams.

Skills

Project leadership

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science/Engineering or related field

GPA 3.5 or higher preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 85 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. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About Kennametal

With over 85 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. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title

Engineer Materials Science - Product Development

Location

Latrobe, PA

Job Summary

This position is responsible for supporting and leading grade development initiatives for metal cutting applications through Kennametal's stage gate process. The role partners closely with Global R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and Customers to develop, test, scale, and commercialize new cutting tool materials and technologies. The Engineer Grade Development will contribute to material innovation, product lifecycle management, and customer-focused solutions that drive business growth.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead Grade Development projects under supervision utilizing Kennametal's stage gate process.
• Plan and execute global R&D projects as a Project Leader or contributing team member.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Customers to support growth initiatives and increase market share.
• Prepare and evaluate experimental materials through metal cutting tests and analytical materials characterization techniques.
• Analyze and summarize test results and communicate findings to cross-functional project teams.
• Support product scale-up activities and transition new products into manufacturing.
• Assist with commercial launch activities in partnership with manufacturing and marketing teams.
• Develop expertise in material properties and performance characteristics related to metal cutting applications.
• Conduct customer visits to evaluate machining requirements and support field testing of newly developed products.
• Review cutting tool material portfolios and contribute recommendations for product lifecycle management.
• Participate in technical discussions and provide recommendations based on analytical findings.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance, material development, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrate strong project management, technical communication, and collaboration skills while working within cross-functional and global teams.

Education, Work Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical field required.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher preferred.
• Experience with cemented carbides, ceramics, and/or PVD/CVD coating processes preferred.
• Understanding of metal cutting applications including turning, milling, and drilling preferred.
• Familiarity with tool wear mechanisms and machining performance evaluation is a plus.
• Experience with cutting tool design, cutting tool manufacturing processes, or materials analysis techniques preferred.
• Strong project leadership and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other PC software applications.
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and global teams.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.