(Senior) Engineer – Materials Science (R&D)

About the Role

Kennametal is looking for a talented (Senior) Engineer – Materials Science to join our Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (RD&E) team. In this role, you will help drive the development of advanced materials and manufacturing processes, working closely with operations, technology, and commercial teams in a global environment.

Based at our Mistelgau plant near Bayreuth, you will turn research insights and technical expertise into innovative, practical solutions that strengthen Kennametal’s competitiveness across multiple product groups. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your technical expertise, expand your leadership capabilities, and contribute to global R&D initiatives with real business impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of powder‑metallurgical shaping technologies, with a strong focus on material extrusion, and exposure to injection molding, pressing, and 3D printing.
• Shape innovation by contributing to the future roadmap of advanced manufacturing technologies within a global RD&E environment.
• Own and drive development projects end‑to‑end, ensuring effective execution in close partnership with operations and engineering teams.
• Use material analysis, experimentation, and technical insight to improve processes, strengthen product performance, and support sound decision‑making.
• Collaborate across functions to enable the successful transfer of new technologies into industrial application.
• Support the transfer and industrialization of new technologies, working cross‑functionally with operations, engineering, and research teams. Conduct selected experiments and analyses personally as part of day‑to‑day development work.
• Help maintain a high‑performing lab environment by establishing robust experimental standards, guiding technician support and teamwork, and actively contributing to experimental work and joint trials with operations teams.
• Provide regular project updates to leadership and contribute to strategic research initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Materials Science or Master’s degree with multiple years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong expertise in powder metallurgy. Experience with tungsten carbide, rheology, material analysis, or sintering is advantageous.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex technical projects and managing advanced R&D initiatives from concept to execution.
• Strong data analysis capabilities and the ability to interpret experimental results to support evidence‑based decisions.
• Experience working in cross‑functional or matrix organizations is beneficial.
• Fluent English and German language skills at minimum B2 level are required.

Personal Skills

• A proactive, self‑starting mindset with the ability to take ownership and independently drive topics forward.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a practical approach to turning challenges into effective solutions.
• Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across functions, teams, and global networks.
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic technical environment with evolving priorities and challenges.
• A reliable, structured, and results‑oriented working style, paired with an entrepreneurial way of thinking.
• High intrinsic motivation and a willingness to seek feedback, align with stakeholders, and continuously improve.

What We Offer

• A high‑impact role where you can help shape the future of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.
• An international and cross‑functional R&D environment with strong collaboration across global R&D, operations, and business teams, offering the opportunity to contribute to innovation initiatives with real business relevance.
• The opportunity to turn ideas into real‑world solutions, from early research to industrial application.
• Strong development opportunities to grow your technical expertise, broaden your experience, and build leadership capabilities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

Kennametal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.