Process Engineer

Actalent; New Market (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal in New Market, VA seeks a Process Engineer to develop, implement, and improve precision machining processes. You will lead Lean initiatives, optimize CNC milling/turning, and collaborate across Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to raise throughput and reliability.

The successful candidate has a strong machining background, 5+ years in manufacturing, and experience with CAD/CAM, SAP or ERP systems, Six Sigma, and capital equipment projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years of manufacturing or process engineering in a machining, tooling, metal cutting, or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes including milling, turning, and toolmaking principles.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with root cause analysis and process optimization.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Evaluate machining methods, tooling strategies, fixturing, and equipment utilization to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, routing sheets, and manufacturing standards.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost reduction.
• Analyze production data to identify process bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with CNC Programmers and Manufacturing teams to improve machining performance and productivity.
• Review engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications to ensure manufacturability.
• Provide technical support on complex machining operations including milling, turning, grinding, and tooling applications.
• Identify opportunities for automation and equipment upgrades and develop cost justifications for capital equipment investments.
• Lead equipment installation, commissioning, and process validation activities.
• Partner with Quality, Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure manufacturing objectives are achieved.
• Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing personnel and provide training as needed.
• Support customer audits, quality investigations, and corrective action initiatives.

Skills

Machining expertise

CNC

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Tools

CAD/CAM systems

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

The Process Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes that support the production of high-precision cutting tools and engineered components. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, CNC Programming, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to improve throughput, reduce cycle times, increase equipment reliability, and ensure superior product quality. The ideal candidate will possess a strong machining background, experience with CNC manufacturing environments, and a proven track record leading manufacturing improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Evaluate machining methods, tooling strategies, fixturing, and equipment utilization to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, routing sheets, and manufacturing standards.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost reduction.
• Analyze production data to identify process bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with CNC Programmers and Manufacturing teams to improve machining performance and productivity.
• Review engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications to ensure manufacturability.
• Provide technical support on complex machining operations including milling, turning, grinding, and tooling applications.
• Identify opportunities for automation and equipment upgrades and develop cost justifications for capital equipment investments.
• Lead equipment installation, commissioning, and process validation activities.
• Partner with Quality, Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure manufacturing objectives are achieved.
• Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing personnel and provide training as needed.
• Support customer audits, quality investigations, and corrective action initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in a machining, tooling, metal cutting, or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes including milling, turning, and toolmaking principles.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with root cause analysis and process optimization.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing data analysis tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience within cutting tool manufacturing, carbide tooling, metalworking, aerospace, or precision machining industries.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM systems and CNC programming fundamentals.
• Experience with capital equipment projects and process validation.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Exposure to additive manufacturing, heat treatment, or advanced materials processing.

Work Environment

The role is based in a plant with 85 employees, featuring a lean engineering team consisting of 6 maintenance technicians and 6 programmers. The work environment offers a great opportunity to advance within the site, supported by corporate backing, and provides opportunities to grow at different locations. The plant operates within a high mix, low volume setting, with a focus on machining and tooling.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of New Market, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $105000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Why Join Kennametal? Work with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and advanced materials. Opportunity to influence high-impact process improvements across the operation. Exposure to diverse machining technologies including multi-axis CNC equipment and advanced manufacturing systems. Long-term career growth within a global manufacturing leader.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New Market,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.