Associate Engineer Advanced Manufacturing

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 defence, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job title: Associate Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Systems

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 Kennametal’s Metal Cutting and Infrastructure business segments. 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:

Job Description:

•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 a 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; advanced degree (MS/MBA) or relevant certifications preferred.
•Minimum of 8 years of experience in a related role within manufacturing, engineering, or operations.
•Demonstrated project management expertise with the ability to coordinate with 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.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates:

Years of Relevant Work Experience Required: 8-10 Years

Education: Engineering or equivalent degree.

Skills / Experience:

Project Management, Lean Manufacturing, Effective Communication, Good analytical and problem-solving skills, Familiarity and comfort with manufacturing operations / environment.

External Relationships: Vendors - selection and project management

Internal Relationships: Manufacturing (Leadership, Engineering, and Operators), Research and Development, Product Engineering, Product Management, and Portfolio Management.

As part of our core values, Kennametal is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all people. We are an Equal Opportunity employer.