Operations Jobs at Kennametal with Visa Sponsorship
Kennametal's Operations roles span manufacturing process management, production oversight, and supply chain coordination across its industrial tooling and materials business. The company has a history of sponsoring work visas for qualified Operations professionals, making it a viable target if you're navigating sponsorship in the manufacturing sector.
See All Operations at Kennametal JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 26+ Operations Jobs at Kennametal jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 26+ Operations Jobs at Kennametal
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Operations Jobs at Kennametal.
Get Access To All Jobs
CNC Operator I - Entry-US
Location:
New Market, VA, US
On-site or Remote:
REQ ID: 47709
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.
CNC Operator - Entry
New Market, VA
2nd shift: 2:45pm - 11:15pm or 3rd shift: 10:45pm - 7:15am
Summary
Operating an automated machine such as a CNC or other machine via either a single step or process that does not include a multi-step or multi-production process. Sets up complex, customized production equipment to manufacture company products.
Duties
- Manufactures sufficient quantities of quality products at or below budgeted production costs in order to meet marketplace demand.
- Sets up equipment operation feed, speed, and temperature; follows established procedures for operating various conventional and/or CNC (computerized numerical control) manufacturing equipment for tasks such as cutting, punching, forming, drilling, tapping, turning, milling and stamping to fabricate, form or shape manufactured parts, tools or parts assemblies from raw materials.
- Selects and measures raw materials and parts to specifications to prepare for production processing.
- Resolves issues related to the organization's production, machinery, processing, and/or packaging operations.
- May include basic level programming.
- Set up and operate, in an efficient timely manner, machine tools, such as mill-turns, mills, lathes, or grinders.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
- Work from and read blueprints as well as setting and checking work to various quality control gages.
- Move all materials, either physically or mechanically, necessary to complete assignments.
- Perform inspection of machined products by selecting and setting up precision gaging to ensure external and internal quality specifications and requirements.
- Set-up and perform a series of machining operations on all CNC machines.
- Select proper cutters, determine adjusts feeds and speeds as needed, and replace cutters when dull.
- May operate two or more CNC machines simultaneously.
- Responsibilities are within the Manufacturing/Operations Function as a generalist or in a combination of Disciplines.
- Performs specialized technical tasks required to support operations (e.g., IT development, research support, skilled trade).
Experience
- High School Degree.
- 1-3 years experience.
- Machine operation experience.
- Requires vocational training or the equivalent experience and may require external certification but typically does not require a university degree.
- Technical school certification or Apprenticeship program of completion preferred.
- Manufacturing experience of 1 - 3 years automated/CNC work experience required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Basic troubleshooting and decision-making skills.
- Ability to modify G code programs.
- Ability to handle basic or standard CNC complexity.
- Has working knowledge and skills to perform a defined set of analytical/scientific methods or operational processes.
- Applies experience and skills to complete assigned work within own area of expertise.
- Works within standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods.
- Receive verbal and written information.
- Complete all necessary documentation, electronic data entries, and communications accurately and timely.
- Understand written instructions and be willing and able to communicate those instructions to others.
- Read process instructions and drawings and recognize/attend to details.
- Adhere to and follow all company safety policies and procedures to assure commitment to a 100% safe work environment.
- Support the Lean Enterprise initiatives and continuously strive to improve customer satisfaction through improved quality, reduction in waste, and improved productivity.
- Intermediate knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) methods of dimensioning, as well as proper use and care of precision measurement tools.
- Knowledge of shop math, including geometry and conversions.
- Manufacturing and product knowledge.
- Proven troubleshooting, decision-making skills, and the ability to work in a team-based environment.
- Interpersonal skills with good communication working in a team environment.
Complexity
- Not much variability to day to day operation tasks.
- Works with a moderate degree of supervision.
Nearest Major Market: Harrisonburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: CNC, Machinist, Materials Science, Social Media, Equipment Operator, Manufacturing, Science, Marketing

CNC Operator I - Entry-US
Location:
New Market, VA, US
On-site or Remote:
REQ ID: 47709
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.
CNC Operator - Entry
New Market, VA
2nd shift: 2:45pm - 11:15pm or 3rd shift: 10:45pm - 7:15am
Summary
Operating an automated machine such as a CNC or other machine via either a single step or process that does not include a multi-step or multi-production process. Sets up complex, customized production equipment to manufacture company products.
Duties
- Manufactures sufficient quantities of quality products at or below budgeted production costs in order to meet marketplace demand.
- Sets up equipment operation feed, speed, and temperature; follows established procedures for operating various conventional and/or CNC (computerized numerical control) manufacturing equipment for tasks such as cutting, punching, forming, drilling, tapping, turning, milling and stamping to fabricate, form or shape manufactured parts, tools or parts assemblies from raw materials.
- Selects and measures raw materials and parts to specifications to prepare for production processing.
- Resolves issues related to the organization's production, machinery, processing, and/or packaging operations.
- May include basic level programming.
- Set up and operate, in an efficient timely manner, machine tools, such as mill-turns, mills, lathes, or grinders.
- Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
- Work from and read blueprints as well as setting and checking work to various quality control gages.
- Move all materials, either physically or mechanically, necessary to complete assignments.
- Perform inspection of machined products by selecting and setting up precision gaging to ensure external and internal quality specifications and requirements.
- Set-up and perform a series of machining operations on all CNC machines.
- Select proper cutters, determine adjusts feeds and speeds as needed, and replace cutters when dull.
- May operate two or more CNC machines simultaneously.
- Responsibilities are within the Manufacturing/Operations Function as a generalist or in a combination of Disciplines.
- Performs specialized technical tasks required to support operations (e.g., IT development, research support, skilled trade).
Experience
- High School Degree.
- 1-3 years experience.
- Machine operation experience.
- Requires vocational training or the equivalent experience and may require external certification but typically does not require a university degree.
- Technical school certification or Apprenticeship program of completion preferred.
- Manufacturing experience of 1 - 3 years automated/CNC work experience required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Basic troubleshooting and decision-making skills.
- Ability to modify G code programs.
- Ability to handle basic or standard CNC complexity.
- Has working knowledge and skills to perform a defined set of analytical/scientific methods or operational processes.
- Applies experience and skills to complete assigned work within own area of expertise.
- Works within standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods.
- Receive verbal and written information.
- Complete all necessary documentation, electronic data entries, and communications accurately and timely.
- Understand written instructions and be willing and able to communicate those instructions to others.
- Read process instructions and drawings and recognize/attend to details.
- Adhere to and follow all company safety policies and procedures to assure commitment to a 100% safe work environment.
- Support the Lean Enterprise initiatives and continuously strive to improve customer satisfaction through improved quality, reduction in waste, and improved productivity.
- Intermediate knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) methods of dimensioning, as well as proper use and care of precision measurement tools.
- Knowledge of shop math, including geometry and conversions.
- Manufacturing and product knowledge.
- Proven troubleshooting, decision-making skills, and the ability to work in a team-based environment.
- Interpersonal skills with good communication working in a team environment.
Complexity
- Not much variability to day to day operation tasks.
- Works with a moderate degree of supervision.
Nearest Major Market: Harrisonburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: CNC, Machinist, Materials Science, Social Media, Equipment Operator, Manufacturing, Science, Marketing
See all 26+ Operations at Kennametal jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Operations at Kennametal roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Operations Jobs at Kennametal Jobs
Align Your Credentials to Manufacturing Operations
Kennametal prioritizes Operations candidates with hands-on manufacturing process experience, not just theoretical backgrounds. Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or industrial engineering strengthen your petition by demonstrating specialty occupation depth beyond a general management profile.
Target Roles With Clear Degree Requirements
H-1B eligibility hinges on the role qualifying as a specialty occupation. Focus your applications on Kennametal Operations postings that explicitly require a bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, or a related technical field, not postings that list a degree as preferred.
Confirm TN Eligibility Before Applying
If you're Canadian or Mexican, Kennametal's Operations roles may support TN status under the engineer or management consultant category. Verify the job description maps to a qualifying TN occupation listed by USCIS before your interview to avoid surprises at the offer stage.
Time Your Application Around the H-1B Cap
Kennametal files H-1B petitions on the standard USCIS cap-subject calendar. Registrations open in March for an October 1 start date. If you receive an offer after the lottery, negotiate a conditional start date so both sides plan around the filing window realistically.
Use Migrate Mate to Surface Kennametal Operations Openings
Kennametal's sponsorship-eligible Operations roles aren't always flagged on general job boards. Use Migrate Mate to filter for Kennametal positions that have a documented sponsorship history, so you spend time applying where your visa status won't disqualify you.
Prepare Your OPT Documentation Before the Offer Closes
If you're on F-1 OPT targeting Kennametal, have your EAD card, SEVIS record, and DSO contact ready before the offer letter stage. HR teams in manufacturing move quickly once a role is filled, and delays in work authorization verification can cost you the position.
Operations at Kennametal jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Operations at Kennametal JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Kennametal sponsor H-1B visas for Operations roles?
Yes, Kennametal has sponsored H-1B visas for Operations professionals. Sponsorship is most consistent for roles with a defined technical degree requirement, such as industrial engineering or supply chain management positions. Because H-1B sponsorship depends on the specific role and business need at the time of hire, confirming sponsorship willingness directly with the recruiter during early conversations is the practical first step.
How do I apply for Operations jobs at Kennametal?
Applications go through Kennametal's careers portal. For visa-dependent candidates, the most effective approach is to filter for Operations roles that list a technical degree as required rather than preferred, since those postings are most likely to support an H-1B or TN petition. Migrate Mate also aggregates Kennametal's sponsorship-eligible Operations openings so you can identify the right positions before applying.
Which visa types does Kennametal commonly use for Operations positions?
Kennametal has used H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, and TN visas for Operations hires. H-1B is the primary long-term pathway for non-Australian, non-Canadian, non-Mexican nationals. TN is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens whose Operations role maps to a qualifying occupation. F-1 OPT and CPT are typical entry points for recent graduates in engineering or supply chain programs.
What qualifications does Kennametal expect for Operations roles requiring sponsorship?
Kennametal's Operations roles typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, supply chain management, or a closely related field. For H-1B eligibility, the degree must align specifically with the job duties. Practical manufacturing experience, familiarity with ERP systems, and process improvement credentials like Six Sigma or Lean certification strengthen both your candidacy and the specialty occupation argument for your petition.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for an Operations hire at Kennametal?
For H-1B hires, the timeline is tied to the USCIS cap cycle. Standard processing runs several months after the October 1 start date; premium processing can reduce USCIS adjudication to roughly 15 business days, though Kennametal's decision to use premium processing varies by role. TN status for Canadian nationals can be obtained at the port of entry, which compresses the timeline significantly once an offer is in hand.
See which Operations at Kennametal employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Operations at Kennametal Jobs