Materials Engineer / ceramicist

Ips Ceramics Ltd; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ceramics supplier in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a materials science engineer / ceramicist to lead technical activities. You will manage quality assurance, provide technical customer support, and develop material solutions. Essential experience in ceramics manufacturing and knowledge of material properties are required. Join a friendly SME to grow your career in a hands-on role.

Qualifications

• Experience in ceramics manufacturing or similar industrial setting is essential.
• Good knowledge of mechanical and thermal properties of ceramics.
• Ability to understand technical drawings and structural design principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Quality Assurance system and liaise on quality issues.
• Provide technical input into customer enquiries.
• Respond to customer complaints and conduct material testing.

Skills

Experience in ceramics manufacturing

Knowledge of mechanical and thermal properties of ceramics

Understanding technical drawings

Clear communication skills

Job description

We are looking for a materials science engineer / ceramicist, with some experience, to lead on all technical activities in our very friendly SME based in Stoke-on-Trent.

IPS Ceramics are a leading supplier of kiln furniture and industrial ceramics to the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Cordierite & silicon carbide kiln furniture for the traditional ceramics industry is our key market, and we also supply technical ceramics into a vast range of industries – from the EV battery and automotive industries, to aerospace and electronic equipment (such as high-end audiophile equipment).

As the materials engineer you will work as part of a small team using your knowledge of materials science and engineering principles, to identify and develop material solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of industrial processes and customer applications.

You will be working alongside the current Technical Manager for 2 - 3 years, as part of a planned succession training. During this time, you will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of our design activity, manufacturing and quality systems, product ranges, and customer applications.

Key Responsibilities:

Management of the Quality Assurance system including liaising with our partner company and other suppliers on quality issues (some overseas travel required) Provide technical input into customer enquiries, helping to match products and materials to the needs of the application, and answering technical queries from customers Respond to customer complaints, including some material testing and site visits Write the manufacturing specification for new products and assist the Design Manager with structural analysis calculations Work with our marketing manager to produce promotional material and website content Develop the IPS knowledge base, investigating new applications, products, and materials Key Skills & Experience:

Experience in ceramics manufacturing, or a similar industrial setting is essential A good knowledge of the mechanical and thermal properties of ceramics and other engineering materials, with some experience of testing procedures, is desirable Able to understand technical drawings with a basic awareness of structural design principles Inquisitive, with a genuine interest in science and technology; eager to learn A clear communicator who is happy to share knowledge with other members of the team If this specialist development opportunity sounds interesting, please send your CV to apply now and find out more.