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Entry Level Ceramic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Ceramic Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level ceramic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ceramic engineer in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level ceramic engineer do?

An Entry Level Ceramic Engineer assists in developing and testing ceramic materials used in various applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and medical devices. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to improve manufacturing processes, conduct material analysis, and ensure product quality. Their responsibilities may include researching new materials, troubleshooting production issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of materials science principles are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level ceramic engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Ceramic Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in materials science, ceramic engineering, or a related field, along with a solid understanding of ceramic processing and materials characterization techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, CAD software, and quality control systems is often required, and internships or coursework in ceramics provide a valuable foundation. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate with engineers and production teams. These competencies ensure you can contribute to product development, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and support innovation in ceramic materials and applications.

Are entry level ceramic engineers in demand?

Entry level ceramic engineers are in moderate demand, particularly in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare where advanced ceramic materials are used. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and proficiency with CAD tools, with job growth influenced by technological advancements and manufacturing needs.

How much do entry level ceramic engineers make?

Entry-level ceramic engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, education, and industry. Starting salaries may increase with internships, certifications, and relevant skills in materials testing and manufacturing processes.

How to become an entry level ceramic engineer?

To become an entry-level ceramic engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering, materials science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in materials testing and processing, and understanding industry-specific tools and standards are also important for entry-level positions.

Why is it so hard to get an entry-level ceramic engineer job?

Entry-level ceramic engineer positions are competitive due to limited openings and high demand for specialized skills such as materials testing, CAD design, and knowledge of ceramics manufacturing processes. Employers often prefer candidates with internships, relevant coursework, or certifications, making it challenging for new graduates to stand out without practical experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ceramic Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ceramic Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Ceramic Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Ceramic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ceramic Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ceramic Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ceramic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Composites Fab and Asmb Sr

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$26.75 - $46.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 397 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description Builds up, fabricates, cures, and assembles various types of plastic, ceramic and composite products and assemblies, including bonded and mechanically-fastened assemblies, where required information is not readily available, operational sequences change or vary considerably, tooling is inadequate or not provided, where it is required to exercise a knowledge of the physical properties of materials such as, but not limited to, thermosets, thermoplastics, plastics, ceramics and composites and their forming and processing characteristics, and of the physical and bonding characteristics of materials and adhesives used. Locates to all critical reference points and assures coordination of parts and subassemblies to exacting tolerances when required in building assemblies, and in incorporating design or modification changes, which materially alter previous assembly references and sequence. Builds laminated assemblies by determining proper placement, and laying up composite, plastic and metal parts and adhesives onto tools or molds.

Prepares parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections, checks seals on completed bagged parts for leaks. Sets up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an autoclave, oven or platen press in order to obtain desired set and cure. Operates autoclave controls to obtain and maintain proper temperature, pressure, and time cycle in accordance with engineering materials process specifications; corrects defects as required.

Improvises shop aids to facilitate fabrication and assembly operations as required. Operates cutting and trimming machines as required. Performs such operations as trimming, altering, removing, replacing, realigning, or reforming composite or plastic parts and components to provide an acceptable assembly.

Records manufacturing information such as lay-up, curing and other operations for future use by others. Checks composite or plastic parts and assemblies for defects and conformance to specifications; recommends changes in time cycles, pressures, or similar specifications. Performs bonding operations in the assembly of plastic parts.

Performs final finishing, grinding, and polishing of parts as required. Prepares proper mixes of resins and catalysts; lays out, cuts, prepares and impregnates materials as required. Drills, reams and countersinks holes and installs fasteners as required.

Collaborates with liaison and other authorized personnel to determine satisfactory fabrication and assembly sequences. Points out need for tooling, part, or assembly corrections, or for new or revised process standards and specifications as required. ***Must obtain and maintain Company licenses, certifications, and training as required for assigned tasks.

Must be able to work any shift*** Basic Qualifications Must demonstrate skills equivalent to entry level blueprint and technical data comprehension and shop math. Must be knowledgeable in the use of process specifications. Must possess a minimum of two years composites fabrication experience.

Desired Skills Prepreg Layup Composite Repair Autoclave Vacuum Bagging Pay Information $26.75 - $46.74 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally. The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition

Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability

Additional specific benefits are dependent upon the business unit and the collective-bargaining agreement. Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.

For (Washington state applicants only) Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.


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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912