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Ceramic Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Advanced ceramic processing and microstructural engineering The successful candidate should have demonstrated expertise in the processing, structure, property, and performance relationships of ...

INTERACTION 24 LLC

$85 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support development and scale-up of the textured ceramic program, bridging lab-scale process work into production * Provide day-to-day materials and process engineering support to PZT production ...

Coherent

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

... Ceramic Engineering, or equivalent technical degree. Experience supporting new product introduction, pilot production, process development, supplier readiness, and production scale-up. Experience ...

Coherent

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

... Ceramic Engineering, or equivalent technical degree. Experience supporting new product introduction, pilot production, process development, supplier readiness, and production scale-up. Experience ...

Coherent

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA

$83K - $113K/yr

... Ceramic Engineering, or equivalent technical degree. Experience supporting new product introduction, pilot production, process development, supplier readiness, and production scale-up. Experience ...

II-VI Incorporated

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Saxonburg, PA

$83K - $113K/yr

... Ceramic Engineering, or equivalent technical degree. Experience supporting new product introduction, pilot production, process development, supplier readiness, and production scale-up. Experience ...

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All JobsCeramic Engineering JobsCeramic Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania

Ceramic Engineering information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$49.6K

$60.1K

$68.7K

How much do ceramic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for ceramic engineering in Pennsylvania is $60,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,100.00 and $65,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ceramic engineering?

Ceramic engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of products made from inorganic, non-metallic materials, such as clay, glass, and advanced ceramics. Ceramic engineers work to create materials with specific properties for use in a wide range of applications, including electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and construction. They study the composition, processing, and performance of ceramic materials to improve their strength, durability, and resistance to heat and corrosion. This field combines principles from chemistry, physics, and materials science to solve engineering challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ceramic engineer?

To thrive as a Ceramic Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in ceramic engineering or materials engineering. Familiarity with analytical tools like electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and experience with CAD software and quality control systems are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in cross-disciplinary projects. These competencies are essential for innovating and ensuring the performance and reliability of ceramic materials in advanced industrial applications.

What are some typical challenges ceramic engineers face when working on product development teams?

Ceramic engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop materials for applications such as electronics, aerospace, or medical devices. A common challenge is translating theoretical material properties into manufacturable products that meet both performance and cost requirements. They must also address issues like material brittleness, process scalability, and quality control. Effective communication with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams is essential for resolving technical problems and ensuring products meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Ceramic Engineering vs Materials Engineering?

AspectCeramic EngineeringMaterials Engineering
EducationBachelor's or Master's in Ceramic Engineering or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, research labs, design facilitiesManufacturing, research labs, diverse industries
Industry UsageFocus on ceramics, glass, refractory materialsBroader, including metals, polymers, composites
CertificationsOften none specific, but professional engineering licensure applicableSame as Ceramic Engineering, with broader scope

While both Ceramic Engineering and Materials Engineering share foundational knowledge and work environments, Ceramic Engineering specializes in ceramics, glass, and refractory materials, whereas Materials Engineering covers a wider range of materials including metals and polymers. The choice depends on your specific interest in ceramics versus broader material science applications.

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 research development.

How much does a ceramic engineer make?

The average salary for a ceramic engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries. Skills in materials testing, manufacturing processes, and relevant certifications 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 electronics, aerospace, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure product quality, often using tools like microscopy and testing equipment. Strong knowledge of materials science and engineering principles is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Ceramic Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Ceramic Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ceramic Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Ceramic Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Ceramic Engineering jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Ceramic Engineering job openings:

Ceramic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ceramic Engineering job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,144 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Piezoelectric Ceramic Engineer - Ceramic Processing and Sintering

INTERACTION 24 LLC

State College, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Training & development

InterAction24 is hiring a full-time Piezoelectric Ceramic Engineer for an advanced piezoelectric materials manufacturer in central Pennsylvania (State College area). This is a direct-hire, 1st shift position.
Most ceramics jobs are a support function inside a bigger company. This one is the product. The components made here are custom-engineered piezoelectric materials that go into medical ultrasound imaging, semiconductor equipment, and industrial sensing. If you have worked hands-on with ceramic processing and want the material itself to be the point of your job, this is that role.
WHAT YOU WILL OWN
You will develop, optimize, and scale the processing of lead-based piezoelectric ceramics, bridging R&D and production:
  • Develop and optimize ceramic processing routes: powder synthesis, milling, spray drying, uniaxial and isostatic pressing, wet and dry green forming
  • Establish sintering schedules and thermal processing conditions to hit target microstructures and electromechanical properties
  • Characterize materials for density, grain size, phase purity, and dielectric and piezoelectric performance, then correlate results back to processing parameters
  • Run powder and microstructural characterization using particle size distribution, SEM, EDS, and XRD
  • Execute process trials, drive root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions that move quality, consistency, and yield
  • Scale laboratory processes to pilot and full production while holding cost and efficiency targets
  • Apply SPC and control charts to monitor and optimize production performance
  • Document results, write technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams and management
WHAT YOU NEED

  • BS in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
  • Strong working knowledge of powder synthesis, forming methods, and thermal processing
  • Hands-on experience with SEM, EDS, and XRD for microstructural and phase analysis
  • U.S. Person status is required: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This role involves export-controlled technical data, so we are unable to consider candidates who cannot meet this requirement
STRONGLY PREFERRED

  • Hands-on ceramic processing experience with piezoelectric oxides such as PZT or other lead-based systems
  • Familiarity with electrode techniques (sputtering, screen printing, plating) and ceramic-metal integration
  • Electrical characterization: impedance analysis, ferroelectric and piezoelectric testing
  • Minitab, and 3 or more years in a manufacturing environment
Your total years of experience and degree level are flexible. Recent graduates with genuine ceramics specialization are encouraged to apply, and so are experienced process engineers. What matters is that the ceramics work is real, not adjacent.
WHY THIS ONE IS WORTH A LOOK
Advanced piezoelectrics is a small field, and roles where one engineer owns a process from powder to finished part do not open often. The team is established, the products ship into applications where performance is measured in microns and megahertz, and this seat has direct influence on how things get built. Central Pennsylvania offers a genuinely low cost of living and a college-town quality of life.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Manufacturing environment. Must be able to manipulate parts weighing up to 50 lbs.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply with your resume. If your ceramics experience is not obvious from your job titles, tell us: a short note naming the materials, processes, and characterization tools you have actually used will get you reviewed faster.
InterAction24 is a family-owned, NMSDC-certified minority woman-owned staffing firm placing engineering and technical talent across manufacturing and industrial clients. Our client is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Every application is reviewed by a person on our team.