Engineer Materials Science - Product Development

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.