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Ceramic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Sonatech Sonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company ... Knowledge of piezo-ceramic types, modes, and properties useful for transducer design * Proficient ...

About Sonatech Sonatech, LLC is a premier undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing company ... Knowledge of piezo-ceramic types, modes, and properties useful for transducer design * Proficient ...

... of ceramic materials * Comfort with equipment troubleshooting and a healthy bias toward getting ... Exposure to quality engineering, reliability engineering, or process development roles, and an ...

Senior PCB Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

With nearly 80,000 employees worldwide, Kyocera is a global leader in advanced ceramic technologies ... Senior PCB Design Engineer (ENG5723) Exempt: Yes Safety Sensitive: Yes GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ...

With nearly 80,000 employees worldwide, Kyocera is a global leader in advanced ceramic technologies ... Senior PCB Design Engineer (ENG5723) Exempt: Yes Safety Sensitive: Yes GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ...

Familiarity with hermetic sealing approaches (ceramic, titanium, glass) * Experience with flexible ... Engineering. Benefits * US standard * Healthcare, dental and vision * 401k with company match

New

Showing results 21-40

Ceramic Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$59.2K

$67.6K

How much do ceramic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for ceramic engineer in California is $59,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ceramic engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ceramic Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically backed by at least a bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards, is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing innovative ceramic materials and ensuring their successful application in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Ceramic Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectCeramic EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Ceramic Engineering or Materials ScienceBachelor's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, research labs, quality controlManufacturing, R&D, quality assurance across various industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in ceramics for electronics, aerospace, biomedicalBroader focus on metals, polymers, ceramics, composites

While both roles involve materials science, Ceramic Engineers specialize in ceramics and their applications, working primarily in manufacturing and research related to ceramic materials. Materials Engineers have a broader scope, working with various materials including metals, polymers, and ceramics across multiple industries.

What are some common challenges faced by ceramic engineers during the material development process?

Ceramic Engineers often encounter challenges related to achieving the desired balance between strength, durability, and manufacturability of ceramic materials. Controlling impurities, minimizing defects during firing, and ensuring consistency in large-scale production can be complex. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet specific performance requirements for industries like aerospace or electronics requires clear communication and adaptability. Staying current with advancements in materials science is also essential for overcoming these challenges effectively.

How much do ceramic engineers make?

Ceramic engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in specialized industries can earn higher salaries. Skills in materials science, manufacturing processes, and proficiency with CAD tools can influence earning potential.

What does a ceramic engineer do?

A ceramic engineer designs, develops, and tests ceramic materials and products used in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, improve manufacturing processes, and often use tools like CAD software and laboratory equipment to ensure product quality and performance.

What is a ceramic engineer?

The job of a ceramic engineer is to convert ceramic materials into usable products and structures. Common job duties include planning projects, supervising other engineers, and analyzing test results. They work with a range of materials, including glass and composites. Ceramic engineers must be knowledgeable about a variety of techniques, including sintering. An understanding of the chemical properties of a material is equally important. They need strong communication, management, and technical skills to excel in this career. Additional qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, and work experience in a related industry.

Are ceramic engineers in demand?

Ceramic engineers are in steady demand in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare, where advanced materials are essential. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and proficiency with CAD tools, with job growth driven by technological innovation and manufacturing needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ceramic Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Ceramic Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Ceramic Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Ceramic Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Ceramic Engineer jobs in CA? For Ceramic Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ceramic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,214 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary
This position is part of the Supplier Engineering & Technology (SET) group in the Global Operation Organization. SET is an organization that is innovative in manufacturing technologies, materials, and supplier development and quality excellence. This position works directly with suppliers to participate in new product introduction (i.e., design, process, test, reliability), and manufacturing to resolve product and manufacturing challenges for performance critical chamber components in Lam semiconductor process equipment.
We are seeking a highly skilled Product Engineer 5 to lead advanced manufacturing technology development and supplier execution for critical components used in semiconductor capital equipment.
Lam Research continues to thrive to meet the customers needs of ever shrinking device dimensions. High performance chamber components are at the forefront of these needs and Lam is continually improving performance of these components. Understanding performance of these components of Lam process tools requires a multidisciplinary background, incorporating elements of materials science, physics, mechanical and electrical engineering, to fully characterize the implications of design or manufacturing changes on customer processing.
Who we are looking for?
  • Act as the subject matter expert in precision fabrication processes (joining, welding, brazing, machining, and heat treatment) across metals components and coatings (thermal spray, CVD, PVD coatings).
  • This role is responsible for ensuring that suppliers can consistently manufacture parts that meet Lam's design intent, quality requirements, and delivery needs.
  • This role owns the technical execution at the supplier, including supplier qualification, process readiness, quality performance, and issue resolution across NPI and high-volume manufacturing.
  • The position serves as a technical authority, ensuring manufacturability, quality, and performance while ensuring the establishment of quality systems and sustaining quality excellence at suppliers.
  • This role focuses on the application of advanced manufacturing technologies, including machining, joining, coatings, fabrication, welding, and advanced materials, including metal, ceramic, thin and thick film coatings (e.g. thermal spray, CVD) to supposrt successful product release (NPI) and thransition to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) of key process chamber components.

Minimum qualification
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering disciplines in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering with 12 years of related exerience; or 8 years with a Master's degree, or Ph.D with 5 years of experience.
  • Deep hands-on experience in precision machining and fabrication of metal, ceramic, and coating components.
  • Strong knowledge across fabrication and advanced manufacturing domains:
    • Casting and Forming
    • Precision machining, grinding, and polishing
    • Surface finishing, treatments, and coatings
  • Demonstrated experience with product development, supplier engagement, customer support experience with capital equipment or similar industries comprising electro-mechanical systems of high complexity
  • Hands on experience in process development, manufacturing engineering or product development in high tech industry
  • Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across global and cross-functional teams.
  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 15-25%).

Preferred qualifications
  • Working knowledge of metrology, defects analytis, and root cause methodologies (DOE, SPC, FMEA, 8D)
  • Hands-on experience in managing suppliers in product development and volume production to improve quality, yield, delivery, and process stability.
  • Experience in designing, specifying, building, operating, or maintaining semiconductor process equipment.
  • Experience in precision component fabrication & manufacturing technologies of metals and ceramics, including casting, forming, sintering, machining, grinding, polishing, and surface treatment.

Our commitment
We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.
Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.
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Salary
CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: Min $125,000 - Max $270,000.
The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.
Our Perks and Benefits
At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

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