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Ceramic Manufacturing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Virginia Beach, VA

$15 - $18/hr

Set up molds, dies, and tooling for injection molding, ceramic casting, or similar molding ... Experience plastic molding, blow molding, or similar high-volume manufacturing environments.

Powder Coat Operator

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... RF and microwave ceramic capacitors) to offer one of the industry's most specialized and ... Backed by deep engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a culture of ...

... RF and microwave ceramic capacitors) to offer one of the industry's most specialized and ... Backed by deep engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a culture of ...

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Ceramic Manufacturing information

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$9

$18

$26

How much do ceramic manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for ceramic manufacturing in Virginia is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Ceramic Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ceramic Manufacturing, you need a solid understanding of materials science, production processes, and quality control, often supported by a degree in engineering or materials science. Familiarity with kiln operation, CAD software, and laboratory testing equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are essential soft skills for ensuring product consistency and addressing production challenges. These skills are crucial for maintaining high-quality standards, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring safety in a manufacturing environment.

What is ceramic manufacturing?

Ceramic manufacturing is the process of creating products made from non-metallic, inorganic materials, typically by shaping and then firing them at high temperatures. This process is used to produce a wide range of items, such as tiles, pottery, bricks, and advanced ceramics for use in electronics or medicine. The manufacturing steps often include raw material preparation, forming, drying, glazing, and firing. Ceramic manufacturing combines art and science, requiring knowledge of materials, chemistry, and engineering to produce durable and functional products.

What is the highest paying job in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, senior engineering roles such as Manufacturing Engineering Managers or Plant Directors tend to be among the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of production processes and safety standards.

What is the difference between Ceramic Manufacturing vs Ceramic Technician?

AspectCeramic ManufacturingCeramic Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma; technical certification or training beneficial
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsManufacturing facilities, laboratories, or workshops
Job FocusOverseeing entire production processes, managing equipment, quality controlOperating machinery, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting
Industry UsageUsed broadly across ceramic product manufacturing companiesCommonly employed within manufacturing plants for ceramic products

While both roles are integral to ceramic production, Ceramic Manufacturing involves overseeing the entire production process, whereas Ceramic Technicians focus on operating and maintaining equipment. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role within the ceramic industry.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In ceramic manufacturing, high-paying roles such as plant managers or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and industry knowledge. These positions often require technical skills, leadership abilities, and familiarity with manufacturing processes but may not require a formal degree. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What jobs can you get with ceramics?

With a background in ceramics, you can pursue jobs such as ceramic artist, pottery maker, ceramic engineer, or production technician in manufacturing facilities. These roles often require skills in shaping, glazing, firing techniques, and knowledge of materials and equipment used in ceramic production.

What are some common challenges faced in ceramic manufacturing roles, and how can new employees effectively address them?

Ceramic manufacturing professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining quality consistency, ensuring safety when handling materials at high temperatures, and minimizing defects like cracks or warping during firing. New employees can address these challenges by closely following standard operating procedures, actively communicating with team members, and participating in training sessions on equipment and safety protocols. Collaborating with quality control and engineering teams also helps in quickly identifying and correcting process issues, leading to better product outcomes and a safer work environment.

How much money can you make as a ceramicist?

Ceramicists' earnings vary based on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a company. On average, ceramic artists and manufacturing workers earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, with skilled artisans potentially earning more through sales or commissions. Developing technical skills and building a portfolio can help increase income in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Ceramic Manufacturing jobs in Virginia? For Ceramic Manufacturing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ceramic Manufacturing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ceramic Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Ceramic Manufacturing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,073 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Principal Ceramic Engineer (Onsite)

Principal Ceramic Engineer (Onsite)

Pratt & Whitney

Charlottesville, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-04-01

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-CHARLOTTESVILLE-1180 ~ 1180 Seminole Trl ~ SEMINOLE

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do:

Pratt & Whitney Mikro Systems manufactures ceramic cores and tooling for turbine castings. Mikro Systems uses a manufacturing process that produces intricate, advanced ceramic cores.  Our innovative processes are evolving to keep pace with continually progressing turbine designs. The Mikro team is seeking a talented Ceramic Engineer who can support the design of innovative ceramic systems that challenge the current state of the art in the world of precision investment castings.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Innovate with novel ceramic formulations and processes to support new core product designs. 
  • Support ceramic core development to understand correlations between ceramic core material formulations and ceramic manufacturing techniques. 
  • Provide Operations support and assist with Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) process for issues arising from ceramic materials.
  • Support and/or participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) events and CORE activities (quality improvement) of ceramic core materials.
  • Develop comprehensive ceramic material qualification procedures and collaborate with the Quality Materials lab to release product for Operations.
  • Collaborate with metal casting source to understand ceramic core compatibility to achieve design intent.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in related or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in related field and 5 years prior relevant experience.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office computer software including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • US Citizenship required due to government contract.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Turbine Blade / Vane knowledge.
  • Knowledge of investment casting and molding tooling design.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with leadership and executive team.
  • Knowledge of polymeric materials: Use in ceramic forming processes (rheology, cure, processing parameters); Characterization & performance testing; Material selection (different polymeric material families, properties)
  • Strong Design of Experiment Methodology and Process Variation Awareness.
  • Experience working various aspects of ceramic material/processing:  Materials (Raw materials & compositions), Forming Techniques (Casting, Injection molding), Firing, and Dimensional Control; Machining, Post processing, and Metal casting interactions; Rheology and Process Parameters; Characterization  of raw materials, ceramic slurries, and resultant product; New Material Selection (families of materials & properties)

Learn More & Apply Now:

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Pratt & Whitney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US

Year founded

1925