Manufacturing Engineer - Industrial & Metallurgical Processes
Kennametal · Huntsville, AL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Industrial
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 85+ years
- Certification
- Green Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 6 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level industrial role at Kennametal (industrial) in Huntsville, AL. Develop, evaluate, improve, and document metallurgical and manufacturing processes to ensure consistent quality, safety, and performance.
- They ask for
- 85+ years · degree required · Green Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Green Belt, Root cause, SPC, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Industrial Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $85k–$125k.
Median of the low and high ends of 79 live postings that list pay, out of 318 industrial engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Alabama plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 9 other live industrial postings in Alabama.
- Experience asked
- More than usual (85+ vs 6+)
Similar roles usually ask 6+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- New product launch 50%
- ✓ Lean 50%
- ✓ Cost reduction 40%
- ✓ Six Sigma 30%
- ✓ Root cause 30%
- ✓ SPC 30%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
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- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Industrial team at Kennametal
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- 2
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- 3
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Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is it more layout and capacity work, or time studies and standard work?
- The posting mentions a Green Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
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- 5
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Full description from KennametalAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
Required
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline .
- ✓4-6 years 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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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
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.
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.