Quality Technician - Entry-US-2nd Shift

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  Follow Kennametal on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In and You Tube.

The Quality Technician will cover job functions for the quality department on the manufacturing floor performing metallurgical, dimensional, & visual certification inspections and process audits. This role works on 2nd shift, Monday‑Friday, 3pm‑11pm.

• Perform metallurgical, dimensional, and visual inspection for customer certification orders or quality critical inspection requirements utilizing gauges and lab equipment.
• Conduct nondestructive and destructive examinations and quality control (QC) inspections on products, materials, components, parts, etc. at various stages of the production process to ensure compliance with established quality standards.
• Record results of inspections as required.
• Analyze internal microstructure of a product to determine grain uniformity, porosity, anomalies, or contamination to certify or non‑conform furnace heats.
• Complete product & process audits as defined by the quality department.
• Support the quality and quality engineering (QE) functions as required.
• Understand and meet scrap and complaint reduction goals, while contributing to RCCA/CAPA.
• Write and revise metallurgical and dimensional inspection procedures and standard work instructions.
• Perform Operator Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Cleaning, Lubrication, Inspection (CLI).
• Capture and analyze statistical data from processes to confirm compliance with established standards or identify deviations from standards.
• Conduct in‑process inspections of inserts, physical properties inspections (as needed).
• Perform customer certification inspections using defined inspection equipment, including manual gauges, OGP and Keyence vision systems; may include sorting and rework when necessary to support on‑time product shipment.
• Provide SAP transaction assistance, e.g., MRB process and purchase orders for outside services such as sorting, calibration, etc.
• Assist with material handling (material transfer, fixture loading, physical scrap of material, etc.) as needed.
• Perform specialized technical tasks required to support operations (e.g., product inspection, research support, skilled trade).
• Read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints to understand product specifications.
• Understand concepts of grain flow, microstructure, and physical property testing.
• Identify physical properties and microstructure issues with powder test samples and production inserts.
• Determine insert type to properly evaluate grade specifications and determine disposition of in‑process or finished product; out‑of‑spec features reviewed with Corporate Grade Champion.
• Have base knowledge of SAP or aptitude to be trained.
• Interpret process documents and audit processes to requirements, openly communicating findings.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with required computer software including SAP, Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• 3‑5 years of experience required.
• Vocational training or equivalent industry experience.
• Ability to properly use gauges and measurement devices to determine compliance to drawing and product specifications; retrieve and read drawings.
• Ability to read and understand insert identification chart, routings, and operating procedures; familiarity and proper interpretation of insert defect criteria.
• Follow procedures/work instructions for conducting customer certifications, inspections of physical properties and furnace heat approval.
• Use procedures and control plans to audit the work being completed on the production floor.
• Apply experience and skills to complete assigned work within own area of expertise.
• Work within standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.