Process Engineer

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.

Location: New Market, VA

About the role

The Process Engineer supports metal‑cutting manufacturing operations, enabling production performance that is viable in terms of cost, quality, and delivery while meeting environmental, health, and safety standards. The role spans steel‑cutting tool manufacturing and includes CNC milling, CNC turning, CNC grinding, induction brazing, EDM, heat treatment, surface treatment, additive manufacturing, and maintenance of all equipment, processes, and the facility. The position reports directly to the Manager, Process Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Determine manufacturing processes, including creating routings and bills of materials, identifying and procuring needed tooling, and designing work‑holding and gauges.
• Coordinate with Production Planning, Quality Assurance, CNC Programming, and Manufacturing to manage pre‑production processes to meet planned lead times.
• Evaluate product designs for manufacturability and make improvement recommendations.
• Provide manufacturing support through direct action, assistance, or coordination for quality and productivity improvements, issue resolution, and capital purchases.
• Supervise and direct the maintenance team, coordinate maintenance activities, and manage the maintenance budget.
• Communicate and coordinate with machine manufacturers or third‑party service providers to address machine issues.
• Develop project plans, budgets, team selection, and assign activities; conduct progress reviews, implement corrective actions, ensure all EHS guidelines are met, and report progress to plant management.
• Prepare metrics, progress updates, status reports, and other documentation on key aspects of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Develop and transition new processes to manufacturing.
• Perform analysis and develop recommendations to support business objectives.
• Develop, improve, and standardize manufacturing processes, including writing work instructions, procedures, and control plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant work experience (required).
• 5 years of experience in engineering industries (preferred).
• Experience in metal‑cutting and CNC operations (preferred).
• Knowledge of carbide tool manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of production planning and scheduling.
• Familiarity with SAP.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software; NX preferred.
• Effective communication with shop‑floor employees and cross‑functional departments to coordinate production activities.

To be considered for this position, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States (excluding Optional Practice Testing) and not require sponsorship now or in the future.