Associate Process Engineer Jobs in Huntsville, AL

 About Kennametal

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 defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer - Industrial & Metallurgical Processes
Location: Huntsville,AL

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across manufacturing operations through process improvement, Lean methodologies, and technical problem-solving. This role is responsible for developing, evaluating, improving, and documenting metallurgical and manufacturing processes while supporting daily plant operations. The position will lead and support capital projects, improve process capability, and partner with operations to enhance safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Metallurgical Support

• 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.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• 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.

Capital Projects & Equipment Support

• 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.

Documentation, Standards & Training

• 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.

Collaboration & Communication

• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• 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.

Preferred

• 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).

Key Competencies

• Data-driven decision making
• Hands-on technical problem solving
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to balance tactical daily support with strategic long-term improvements

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