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Ceramic Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Structural Welders

Bremerton, WA

$23 - $30.25/hr

Ceramic Tape experience is required. Must comprehend written and verbal instructions (in English). Must be able to hear warning signals, read and comprehend safety instructions, regulations and ...

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Ceramic information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$27

$50

How much do ceramic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for ceramic in Seattle, WA is $27.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are ceramics and what do ceramicists do?

Ceramics refers to objects made from clay and other raw materials that are shaped and then fired at high temperatures to achieve desired properties such as hardness and durability. Ceramicists are artists or craftsmen who design, create, and finish these objects, which can include pottery, sculpture, tiles, and decorative pieces. They may work by hand or use tools and machinery, and are often involved in every stage of the process, from preparing materials to glazing and firing the finished product. Ceramicists can work independently as artists or be employed in industries like manufacturing, art education, or restoration.

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

To thrive as a Ceramic Artist, you need a solid understanding of ceramic materials, design principles, and various hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, often gained through formal art education or apprenticeships. Familiarity with kilns, glazing processes, and ceramic studio equipment is essential, along with knowledge of safety protocols. Creativity, attention to detail, and perseverance are important soft skills that help artists develop unique works and overcome technical challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality ceramics, maintaining safety, and building a successful artistic career.

What Are Different Types of Ceramic Careers?

Different types of ceramic careers include jobs as a pottery or ceramics instructor, general art teacher, ceramic artist, pottery designer, or ceramic manufacturer. The responsibilities of these positions differ. For example, if you design functional ceramics, such as dinnerware, mugs, or cups, you may work directly with a larger kitchenware designer or develop independent designs and sell your work to a producer. In an instructor role, you teach students the fundamentals and advanced skills of pottery in a school or community learning setting. As a potter or ceramic artist, you design sculptures or artistic pieces for show or sale in galleries or public spaces.

What can I do with a ceramics degree?

A ceramics degree prepares individuals for careers as ceramic artists, studio potters, or ceramic technicians. Graduates can work in art studios, manufacturing, or education, often utilizing skills in design, glazing, and kiln operation. Additional certifications or experience with specific tools may enhance employment opportunities.

What are some common challenges ceramic artists face when working in a studio environment?

Ceramic artists often encounter challenges such as managing kiln schedules, dealing with material inconsistencies, and maintaining a clean workspace to avoid cross-contamination of glazes and clays. Collaboration and communication with studio mates are also vital, as shared equipment and resources require respectful coordination. Additionally, mastering time management for drying, firing, and finishing pieces is crucial to ensure high-quality results and meet deadlines, especially when working on commissions or participating in exhibitions.

What is the difference between Ceramic vs Glazier?

AspectCeramicGlazier
Primary WorkCreating and working with ceramic materials, including pottery and tilesInstalling and repairing glass in windows, doors, and buildings
Skills & CertificationsCeramic arts, craftsmanship, sometimes technical or artistic certificationsGlazing, glass installation, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentArt studios, manufacturing facilities, workshopsConstruction sites, commercial and residential buildings
Industry UsageArts, manufacturing, constructionConstruction, renovation, architectural projects

While both roles involve working with materials related to surfaces, Ceramic professionals focus on creating and designing with ceramic materials, whereas Glaziers specialize in installing and repairing glass. The skills, certifications, and work environments differ, reflecting their distinct industry roles.

How to get a career in ceramics?

To pursue a career in ceramics, individuals typically gain skills through formal education such as art or ceramic design programs, apprenticeships, or self-study. Building a portfolio of work, gaining experience in studios or galleries, and developing proficiency with tools like pottery wheels and kilns are important steps. Some roles may require knowledge of glazing, firing techniques, and safety standards in a studio environment.

How much does a pottery job pay?

Pottery jobs, including ceramic artists and studio workers, typically pay between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Salaries can vary widely, with professional ceramicists or those selling their work independently earning more through commissions and sales.
What are popular job titles related to Ceramic jobs in Seattle, WA? For Ceramic jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ceramic jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Ceramic jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Ceramic jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Ceramic job openings:
Infographic showing various Ceramic job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,253 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Senior Materials Engineer, Ceramic Fabrication

Helion Energy

Everett, WA • On-site

$164K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Helion
We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.
Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.
This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths - values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.
What You Will Be Doing:
You will contribute to the fabrication, scale‑up, and deployment of advanced ceramic and CMC components, taking materials from lab‑scale development through small‑scale prototypes to full‑scale functional hardware designed for extreme fusion environments. You will report to the Manager of Nuclear Ceramics, in this onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.
You Will:
  • Lead high‑impact, multi‑disciplinary projects focused on ceramic processing, forming, densification, and scale‑up for materials operating under fusion generator conditions, including high neutron radiation.
  • Drive the translation of ceramic materials from laboratory formulations to prototype parts and full‑scale components, ensuring repeatability, performance, and manufacturability at each stage.
  • Contribute to the delivery of Helion's inorganic hardware needs, including plasma containment vessels, electrical insulators, resistive components, and structural ceramics, with hands‑on ownership of fabrication methods.
  • Serve as the internal ceramics fabrication owner, acting as the "go‑to" person for scalable ceramic processing routes, scale‑up risks, vendor capabilities, and production readiness across the company.
  • Navigate an environment with technical obstacles and evolving requirements, balancing fabrication risk, schedule, and performance without compromising delivery.
  • Partner with internal Helion teams, external vendors, national laboratories, and universities to develop scalable ceramic fabrication capabilities, qualify processes and suppliers, and close technical gaps.
  • Represent Helion in technical discussions, supplier reviews, and conferences related to ceramic processing, prototyping, and scale‑up.

Required Skills:
  • Demonstrated achievement performing bulk and CMCs ceramic process development and fabrication for a material or component used in a commercial product or integral to a large, single‑unit system (e.g., engines, turbines, reactors, or large pressure vessels).
  • 8+ years of industry experience in ceramics or materials engineering, including delivering projects from lab development through prototype fabrication to full‑scale components, including design reviews.
  • Proven experience planning and executing ceramic component development efforts guided by milestone schedules, with accountability for hardware delivery.
  • Hands‑on experience with ceramic powder processing, forming, firing, post‑processing, testing, and characterization.
  • Experience using ceramic processes to produce large ceramic components and implementation of strategies to reduce scale-up risks.
  • Desired but not required: experience with radiation‑exposed ceramics or extreme environment testing.
  • A strong bias for action, with the ability to learn through rapid prototyping, hands‑on fabrication, and iterative scale‑up, executing with urgency in high‑uncertainty environments.

#LI-Onsite #LI-TM1
Benefits
Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
  • 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
  • 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
  • Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
  • Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
  • Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
  • Annual wellness stipend

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.