Engineer Materials Science-US

About the Role

Kennametal has an opening for an experienced or entry-level (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a related Engineering field to join our manufacturing and research facility in Rogers, AR. This role supports product qualification, process improvement, and quality initiatives related to hard metals, cemented tungsten carbide powders, industrial ceramics, and metal alloys. The position works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Product Management teams to develop products, improve manufacturing processes, and support customer requirements. Knowledge of physical metallurgy and practical laboratory or manufacturing experience is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Support product qualification activities in a manufacturing environment.
• Drive and manage process improvements, quality enhancements, and documentation updates.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales, Market Portfolio Managers, and R&D teams to develop and launch products.
• Transfer new technologies and processes from research and development into production.
• Provide technical product support and solutions to customers.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory and manufacturing experiments to evaluate materials and processes.
• Coordinate and execute multi-site test plans to support process development, quality improvements, and manufacturing initiatives.
• Manage engineering projects through data-driven analysis, evidence-based decision making, and validation activities.
• Drive projects to successful completion while providing clear communication and status updates to stakeholders.
• Develop subject matter expertise in materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies used within the Infrastructure business.
• Serve as the on-site technical resource for manufacturing and quality-related issues.
• Analyze and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements.
• Perform hands-on measurements and inspections using specialized measurement and testing equipment.
• Ensure products and processes comply with quality standards and customer requirements.
• Author, maintain, and update procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Support vendor qualification and material qualification activities.
• Prepare functional specifications and technical documentation as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Background in physical metallurgy, materials science, or related disciplines.
• Experience with powdered metals, hard metals, metal alloys, industrial ceramics, or similar materials.
• Hands-on laboratory, research, or manufacturing experience.
• Ability to conduct experiments and work with laboratory and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Product Management.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a related Engineering field.
• Entry-level and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of statistical methods for process improvement, scrap reduction, and quality enhancement is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience creating technical documentation, procedures, and work instructions is advantageous.
• Applicant must be a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident.