Engineer Process

Kennametal, Inc.•La Vergne, TN

About The Position

The Product Launch Process Engineer will be responsible for all process engineering activities required to successfully launch new products. This role ensures readiness for production by developing and validating manufacturing processes, programming equipment, designing fixture, and implementing quality controls. The engineer will act as a technical liaison between design, manufacturing, and quality teams to guarantee smooth product introduction, acting as a gate keeper for release to Production.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in process engineering, CNC programming, and product launch.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
Proficiency in CNC programming, EDM programming.
Strong understanding of fixturing design, grinding wheel design and selection.
Knowledge of quality systems, including Control Plans and Dimensional Spec Plans.
Familiarity with gauge equipment and optical measurement systems.
Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain die set PRT, OAG and ensure die set characterization.
Develop and validate fixtures for Grinding and Wire EDM operations.
Ensure proper grinding wheels and other tooling are available and suitable.
Request and review CNC programs from shared services.
Create CNC programs for all types of Grinding Equipment at the plant.
Create Wire EDM programs.
Program quality check equipment and ensure integration with control plans.
Create and maintain Control Plans and Dimensional Lab Spec Plans.
Verify existence of quality check programs and gage equipment.
Reference gauge equipment and optical programs in control plans.
Order necessary supplies, tooling, and dies for pre-production runs. Ensure timing is respected and in line with Committed delivery dates to Customer.
Ensure all equipment and gauges are available and calibrated before launch.
Act as the gatekeeper for the first production order, ensuring all processes and quality requirements are met.
Follow the first order through production and address any issues during this initial run (Product Validation).
Create a summary report of the first-time-through production for acceptance, verify Cycle Time and Scrap are on target.
Develop and implement action plans to resolve issues before repeat orders.
Review programs created by shared services for accuracy and compliance.
Participate in the definition of the routers, proposing solution to reduce Cost and Lead Time.
Work closely with design, quality, and production teams to resolve technical issues.