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Ceramic Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Ceramic Engineer

Whitehall, MI

$99K - $136K/yr

S. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering or related discipline from an ABET accredited institution * 2 or more years of relevant experience in processing, testing or ...

Senior Ceramic Engineer

Whitehall, MI

$99K - $136K/yr

S. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering or related discipline from an ABET accredited institution * 2 or more years of relevant experience in processing, testing or ...

Senior Ceramic Engineer

Whitehall, MI · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

S. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering or related discipline from an ABET accredited institution * 2 or more years of relevant experience in processing, testing or ...

Senior Ceramic Engineer

Whitehall, MI

$99K - $136K/yr

S. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering or related discipline from an ABET accredited institution * 2 or more years of relevant experience in processing, testing or ...

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what ...

Requisition Number: 75125 The company built on breakthroughs. ​  Join us.​  Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ...

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Ceramic Scientist information

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How much do ceramic scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for ceramic scientist in the United States is $34.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Ceramic Scientist, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and physics, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Experience with characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis tools is highly valued, along with familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and quality standards. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are important soft skills. These competencies are vital for innovating and improving ceramic materials and processes within industrial, research, or product development settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Ceramic Scientists in their day-to-day work?

Ceramic Scientists often encounter challenges such as controlling material purity, optimizing manufacturing processes, and developing innovative materials that meet specific performance criteria. They may need to troubleshoot issues related to cracking, porosity, and thermal stability during the research and development phase. Collaboration with engineers, product designers, and technicians is frequent, requiring effective teamwork and communication. Overcoming these challenges is an integral part of advancing ceramic technologies in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and biomedical devices.

What is a Ceramic Scientist job?

A Ceramic Scientist researches, develops, and tests ceramic materials for various applications, including electronics, aerospace, biomedical, and manufacturing. They study the properties of ceramics to improve strength, durability, and functionality, often working with advanced technologies such as 3D printing and nanomaterials. Their work involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with engineers and other scientists to create innovative ceramic-based solutions.

More about Ceramic Scientist jobs
What states have the most Ceramic Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Ceramic Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ceramic Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,780 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
R&D Associate - Vapor Synthetic Material Scientist

R&D Associate - Vapor Synthetic Material Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16556 

Overview:

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research vapor phase synthetic material scientist who will focus on the chemical evaluation of vapor grown high temperature ceramic and ceramic composite systems and their relationship to microstructure and performance metrics.

This position resides in the Ceramics and Ceramic Composites (CCC) Group, Materials Processing Science and Engineering (MPSE) Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD). The individual will also interact and coordinate with other team members in other ORNL Research Divisions.

As part of our research team, you will collaborate with senior technical staff who are world leaders in ceramic science and engineering through sponsorship from the US Department of Energy Critical Materials Energy Infrastructure HEGO and AMMTO offices. Your role will be to elucidate synthetic approaches on materials properties using the advanced suite of characterization equipment available at ORNL and help drive ongoing efforts to improve their performance and reliability.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Chemical vapor coating and infiltration of high temperature ceramic systems
  • Develop new or refined testing methods and ceramic processing and fabrication that will ultimately improve property performance
  • Synthesize new ceramic and/or polymeric materials
  • Coordinate task efforts within a highly collaborative environment of national laboratories, industry, and academic partners
  • Report research results through conferences and peer-reviewed journals and classified technical reports where required
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
  • Work with a variety of teams in addressing diverse advanced characterization needs of multiple classes of brittle materials and manufacturing processes
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success

Basic Qualifications:

  • PhD in Chemistry, Ceramic Science or Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Strong background in inorganic synthesis
  • Experience with high temperature ceramic systems, characterization and chemical vapor coating and infiltration, and synthesis of new material systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Postdoctoral research experience
  • Experienced with:
    • chemical vapor coating and/or infiltration
    • ceramic powder and slurry characterization methods, mixing, and flowability
    • chemical reactions for polymers and synthesis of new materials
    • reactor design
  • Experience working with radiological materials
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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