Materials Science Technician (Latrobe, PA, US, 15650) at Kennametal | Solutions for the Most Demanding Industries

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

Technician – Materials Science & Engineering

Job Description – Requirements

Kennametal has an opening for a lab technician to support R&D for new product and process development for cemented carbide materials at our Technology Center in Latrobe, PA. This position reports to the Supervisor and directly assists in the development of new materials, processes and technology in hard metal powders through the hands-on operation of industrial injection molding and extrusion equipment.  The successful candidate should have good attention to detail, demonstrate effective verbal communication and troubleshooting skills, and an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in team environment.  Applicants should possess a desire to join an extended team of research and manufacturing colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description – Tasks

• Support product development, process development, quality, manufacturing and EHS through the development and production of cemented carbide powders for a wide variety of product platforms.
• Support hardmetal blank production through active preventive maintenance and operation of injection molding, extrusion and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform powder characterization testing to ensure that product conforms to metallurgical specifications.
• Document and share test results with the team.
• Strictly adhere to standard procedures developed at the Technology Center.
• Communicate with technical staff to resolve questions around job submissions as needed.
• Cross-train on other process areas within the department, including extrusion, and injection molding to provide support for changes in manufacturing workload.
• Must be able to lift and position moderate-weight equipment.

Desired Skills / Experience

• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Proactive approach for safety and continuous improvement.
• Focus on exceptional customer experience.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of ceramic or metal powder processing techniques, including pressing and sintering.
• Practical experience with industrial furnaces is desired, preferably in the powdered metals industry.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems, vacuum pump technology, and Human Machine Interface programming.

Education:

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a technical field is preferred. A high school diploma with 3 years of experience in a technical field or manufacturing will also be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer