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Ceramic Engineering Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ceramic Engineering information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$44.9K

$54.4K

$62.1K

How much do ceramic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for ceramic engineering in Pittsburgh, PA is $54,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $58,900.00 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 Pittsburgh, PA?

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

What job categories do people searching Ceramic Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Ceramic Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Ceramic Engineering jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Ceramic Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Ceramic Engineering job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, and 91% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,415 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer-Saxonburg, Pennsylvania

Bradfordwoods, PA

$85K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Responsible for manufacturing engineering support, process development, production readiness, pilot build execution, and scale-up planning for advanced thermal management products.
Lead and support manufacturing activities for semiconductor packaging hardware, liquid cold plates, thermal spreaders, advanced ceramic/diamond materials, embedded cooling structures, and related thermal assemblies.
Develop manufacturing process flows, routings, work instructions, inspection plans, tooling requirements, and process control methods.
Support transition of development processes into controlled manufacturing processes.
Work with engineering and operations to identify manufacturability risks, process gaps, yield issues, cost drivers, and capacity constraints.
Support pilot builds, customer qualification builds, and early production builds.
Coordinate with internal teams, suppliers, and external processing partners on machining, polishing, metallization, bonding, joining, cleaning, inspection, testing, and final assembly.
Support make-vs-buy analysis and supplier readiness for critical manufacturing steps.
Drive yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, cost reduction, and process repeatability.
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing defects, process variation, supplier issues, and customer build issues.
Partner with quality and reliability teams to ensure manufacturing processes support customer qualification and product requirements.
Support capital planning, equipment selection, process validation, and manufacturing readiness reviews.
Education & Experience
Minimum 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, NPI, advanced materials manufacturing, precision components, semiconductor hardware, electronics cooling, ceramics, liquid cooling, or related technical fields.
BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or equivalent technical degree.
Experience supporting new product introduction, pilot production, process development, supplier readiness, and production scale-up.
Experience with precision machining, grinding/lapping, polishing, metallization, bonding, joining, cleaning, inspection, leak testing, pressure testing, or thermal assemblies is preferred.
Experience with semiconductor, advanced packaging, electronics cooling, liquid cold plates, ceramics, diamond materials, or high-reliability engineered products is preferred.
Skills
Technical capability to define reliability test plans, identify failure mechanisms, and support qualification of new product platforms.
Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp. across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, product management, applications engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams.
Strong technical judgment in reliability testing, materials behavior, thermal-mechanical stress, liquid cooling assemblies, and package-level qualification.
Ability to research standards, assess customer requirements, and create practical qualification plans for new technologies.
Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to internal teams, customers, suppliers, and external test labs.
Working Conditions
Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
Travel may be required to Coherent sites, suppliers, external labs, and customer locations.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office and computer equipment.
May occasionally access production areas, laboratories, test equipment, and reliability test setups.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.