We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Ceramics Engineer to provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in ceramic materials, processes, and applications at our industrial manufacturing facility. This role is critical in advancing our material technologies, optimizing production processes, and supporting new product development. The job requires daily onsite presence at our manufacturing facility in Shreve Ohio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead for all ceramic materials and processing activities.
• Lead material selection, formulation, and characterization efforts to meet performance, cost, and reliability goals.
• Oversee the design, development, and optimization of ceramic manufacturing processes including forming, firing, glazing, and finishing.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality, production, and procurement teams to scale up lab developments into full-scale manufacturing.
• Develop and implement process controls and material specifications to ensure consistent product quality.
• Analyze failures and conduct root-cause investigations related to ceramic components and processes.
• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Interface with suppliers, customers, and external labs for technical collaborations and material sourcing.
• Maintain documentation, including technical reports, test results, and manufacturing instructions.
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements related to ceramic engineering.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• Five-plus years of experience in ceramic materials engineering in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Deep knowledge of ceramic materials science, thermomechanical behavior, and processing methods.
• Hands-on experience with ceramic forming techniques (e.g., slip casting, pressing, extrusion), sintering, and glazing.
• Proficiency in materials characterization tools (SEM, XRD, TGA, etc.).
• Proven project management and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.

Experience:

• Experience in a broad range of industrial ceramic material systems produced from boron carbide, aluminum nitride, alumina, silica, zirconia, silicon nitride, and silicon carbide.
• Knowledge of kiln systems, including calibration procedures and maintenance requirements
• Deep understanding of phase diagrams
• Familiarity with Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, and SPC.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and quality systems (e.g., ISO, ASTM).

About CERCO I INC.

CerCo manufactures advanced structural and industrial refractory ceramics principally made from aluminum oxide but also including silicon carbide, zirconia, zirconia toughened alumina, and silicon nitride, among others. These materials are shaped using a wide range of production equipment including hydraulic presses, isostatic presses, CNC lathes, mills, and grinding equipment then fired in high temperature tunnel and periodic kilns as well as other assorted ovens.

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