Process Engineer

Kennametal•Huntsville, AL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Kennametal Inc. is an industrial technology leader with over 85 years of experience, providing productivity solutions through materials science, tooling, and wear-resistant products. They serve customers in aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering, and transportation industries. The Manufacturing Engineer - Industrial & Metallurgical Processes role is based in Huntsville, AL. This position is crucial for driving operational excellence in manufacturing through process improvement, Lean methodologies, and technical problem-solving. The engineer will be responsible for developing, evaluating, improving, and documenting metallurgical and manufacturing processes, while also supporting daily plant operations. Key aspects of the role include leading capital projects, enhancing process capability, and collaborating with operations to improve safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience supporting manufacturing processes in an industrial or process-based environment.
Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies, Lean manufacturing, and operational excellence principles.
Working knowledge of statistical analysis and process control tools.
Proven problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
Must be legally authorized to work in the US (excluding Optional Practice Testing) and not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience with metallurgical or chemical process manufacturing.
Experience leading or supporting capital equipment projects.
Familiarity with furnace operations, chemical processing, material blending, or screening processes.
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).

Responsibilities

Develop, evaluate, improve, and document metallurgical and manufacturing processes to ensure consistent quality, safety, and performance.
Provide daily engineering technical support for manufacturing operations, including furnace room, chemical plant, blending, and screening areas.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical and process-related issues to minimize downtime and defects.
Monitor process controls and ensure adherence to established standards and specifications.
Analyze process flow and manufacturing data to improve product quality, cost reduction, throughput, and first-pass yield.
Identify process deficiencies and lead the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
Apply Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to eliminate waste and improve overall equipment and process effectiveness.
Utilize statistical methods (SPC, process capability analysis, repeatability and reproducibility studies) to improve process performance and conformance to quality requirements.
Lead and support capital projects, including equipment design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation.
Assist in the design and layout of processes, machinery, and material flow to optimize efficiency, safety, and ergonomics.
Partner with maintenance, operations, and suppliers to ensure reliable equipment performance and sustainable improvements.
Develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and technical documentation.
Implement new and updated procedures and train associates on proper use and process requirements.
Ensure compliance with quality systems, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Work cross-functionally with operations, quality, maintenance, EHS, and supply chain teams to support manufacturing objectives.
Present technical findings, improvement plans, and project updates to leadership and plant teams.