Job Title: Engineer Materials Science - Product Development
Location: Latrobe, PA
Job Summary:This position is responsible for supporting and leading grade development initiatives for metal cutting applications through Kennametal's stage gate process. The role partners closely with Global R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and Customers to develop, test, scale, and commercialize new cutting tool materials and technologies. The Engineer Grade Development will contribute to material innovation, product lifecycle management, and customer-focused solutions that drive business growth.
Key Job Responsibilities:- Lead Grade Development projects under supervision utilizing Kennametal's stage gate process.
- Plan and execute global R&D projects as a Project Leader or contributing team member.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Customers to support growth initiatives and increase market share.
- Prepare and evaluate experimental materials through metal cutting tests and analytical materials characterization techniques.
- Analyze and summarize test results and communicate findings to cross-functional project teams.
- Support product scale-up activities and transition new products into manufacturing.
- Assist with commercial launch activities in partnership with manufacturing and marketing teams.
- Develop expertise in material properties and performance characteristics related to metal cutting applications.
- Conduct customer visits to evaluate machining requirements and support field testing of newly developed products.
- Review cutting tool material portfolios and contribute recommendations for product lifecycle management.
- Participate in technical discussions and provide recommendations based on analytical findings.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance, material development, and manufacturing processes.
- Demonstrate strong project management, technical communication, and collaboration skills while working within cross-functional and global teams.
Education, Work Experience, Skills & Qualifications- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical field required.
- GPA of 3.5 or higher preferred.
- Experience with cemented carbides, ceramics, and/or PVD/CVD coating processes preferred.
- Understanding of metal cutting applications including turning, milling, and drilling preferred.
- Familiarity with tool wear mechanisms and machining performance evaluation is a plus.
- Experience with cutting tool design, cutting tool manufacturing processes, or materials analysis techniques preferred.
- Strong project leadership and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other PC software applications.
- Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and global teams.
- Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
