Senior Ceramic Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Ceramic Engineer

Responsibilities

The Senior Ceramic Engineer serves as a subject matter expert in non-metallic materials used in advanced manufacturing applications. This role provides technical leadership in ceramic materials, supports production and R&D efforts, and drives root cause analysis and resolution of material and process challenges. The position combines hands-on technical support, laboratory analysis, supplier interaction, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen material performance, process capability, and product reliability.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay: $75,000+ annually

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) savings plan with employer match

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Life insurance and employee assistance programs

• Professional development, technical training, and certification support

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert for non-metallic and ceramic materials used in aerospace and power generation components.

• Support ceramic core and shell mold manufacturing through hands-on technical guidance and process optimization.

• Provide raw material quality oversight and technical support to production and research teams.

• Perform and support laboratory testing, material characterization, and data interpretation.

• Lead root cause analysis for material and process-related issues; develop and implement corrective actions.

• Collaborate with suppliers to improve material consistency, performance, and process control.

• Partner with production, R&D, and engineering teams to advance material technologies and applications.

• Travel to internal and supplier facilities as needed to support technical initiatives and problem resolution.

• Document findings, recommendations, and technical standards to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Job Roles

• Technical expert – Deep knowledge of ceramic materials and processes; trusted advisor to production and R&D teams.

• Problem solver – Applies critical thinking and structured analysis to identify root causes and drive resolution.

• Hands-on contributor – Actively supports manufacturing and laboratory activities to improve outcomes.

• Collaborator – Works effectively with suppliers, engineers, operators, and leadership to align technical solutions.

• Communicator – Clearly conveys complex material science concepts to diverse audiences.

• Continuous improvement advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve materials, processes, and testing methods.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or a related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in ceramic or non-metallic materials

• Experience with engineered ceramic manufacturing processes

• Familiarity with laboratory testing and material characterization techniques, including microscopy, density, particle size analysis, MOR, and dilatometry

• Strong analytical, reasoning, and critical thinking skills

• Effective communication skills with suppliers, production teams, R&D, and leadership

• Ability to travel up to approximately 25% as required

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

• Ability to lawfully access export-controlled items as required

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in a ceramic-related discipline

• Experience with industrial milling, blending, and firing processes

• Familiarity with investment casting or related manufacturing processes