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Ceramic Process Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

INTERACTION 24 LLC

Production Manager

Bellefonte, PA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Own daily production execution across [ceramic processing, machining, electroding, poling, test ... Work with engineering on new product introduction, capacity planning, and process capability What ...

InterAction24

Electronics Assembler

Bellefonte, PA

$18 - $20/hr

Perform lead attachment on piezoelectric ceramic components -- the primary day-to-day ... Work with production, quality, and engineering to resolve issues on the floor What You Need * Hands ...

All JobsCeramic Process Engineer JobsCeramic Process Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

Ceramic Process Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$48.4K

$90K

$139.4K

How much do ceramic process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for ceramic process engineer in State College, PA is $89,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,900.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Ceramic Process Engineer do?

A Ceramic Process Engineer specializes in designing, optimizing, and overseeing the manufacturing processes for ceramic materials and products. They work with raw materials, develop processing techniques, and ensure product quality by controlling variables like temperature, pressure, and composition. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting production issues, improving efficiency, and collaborating with other engineers or scientists to develop new ceramic products. Ceramic Process Engineers are employed in industries such as electronics, aerospace, automotive, and construction, where ceramics are used for their unique properties like heat resistance and electrical insulation.

What are some typical challenges a Ceramic Process Engineer faces when scaling up from laboratory to full-scale production?

Ceramic Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining material consistency, controlling firing conditions, and ensuring product quality when transitioning from lab-scale experiments to industrial production. Variability in raw materials, differences in equipment, and the need for precise temperature control can affect the final product's properties. Close collaboration with production teams, quality assurance, and R&D is essential to troubleshoot issues and optimize processes for efficiency and reliability at scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ceramic Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Ceramic Process Engineer, a strong background in materials science, ceramics engineering, and process optimization—often supported by a relevant engineering degree—is essential. Familiarity with tools like CAD software, thermal analysis instruments, and quality control systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for solving complex problems and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient production, high product quality, and innovation in ceramic manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Ceramic Process Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectCeramic Process EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs focused on ceramicsResearch labs, manufacturing, product development across various materials
Industry UsageSpecialized in ceramic materials for electronics, aerospace, and industrial applicationsBroader industry applications including metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics

The main difference is that Ceramic Process Engineers focus specifically on the manufacturing and processing of ceramic materials, while Materials Engineers work with a wider range of materials, including metals, polymers, and composites. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and may work in overlapping environments, but their specialization areas differ significantly.

Are ceramic process engineers in demand?

Ceramic process engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics, where advanced ceramic materials are used. They typically require knowledge of materials science, process optimization, and sometimes certifications, with employment opportunities often linked to technological innovation and manufacturing growth.

How much does a ceramic process engineer make?

The average salary for a ceramic process engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals in this role often have a background in materials science or chemical engineering and may work in manufacturing or research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Ceramic Process Engineer jobs in State College, PA?

For Ceramic Process Engineer jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ceramic Process Engineer jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Ceramic Process Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Ceramic Process Engineer jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Ceramic Process Engineer job openings:

Ceramic Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ceramic Process Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,993 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Piezoelectric Ceramic Engineer - Ceramic Processing and Sintering

INTERACTION 24 LLC

State College, PA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

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.

Our client is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Every application is reviewed by a person on our team.

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