Kiln Engineer

Guocera Sdn Bhd; Johor; On-site; MYR 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Guocera Tile Industries is seeking a Kiln Process Engineer to monitor kiln firing processes, ensure temperature control, and adhere to firing cycles in our Malaysia production facilities. You will analyze firing data, develop schedules, coordinate with maintenance, and work with production, quality, R&D, and maintenance teams to improve efficiency and reduce defects.

The role requires knowledge of ceramic firing, heat transfer, PLC/SCADA, and ERP systems; strong communication and problem solving

Qualifications

• Understanding of ceramic firing processes and material behavior.
• Familiarity with firing curves and heat transfer principles.
• Experience with kiln control systems (PLC, SCADA, PID).
• Ability to identify and analyze firing defects (e.g., warping, underfiring).
• Basic understanding of refractory materials and insulation.
• Knowledge of kiln safety standards and high-temperature operations.
• Proficiency in kiln monitoring software and ERP interfaces.
• Strong English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor kiln firing processes to ensure optimal temperature control and cycle adherence.
• Assist in developing and adjusting firing schedules based on product requirements and material behavior.
• Ensure uniform heat distribution and proper loading patterns to minimize defects.
• Analyze firing data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Implement changes to improve firing quality, reduce cycle times, and optimize energy usage.
• Investigate firing-related defects such as warping, underfiring, or overfiring.
• Coordinate with maintenance for routine kiln checks and preventive maintenance.
• Record and analyze kiln performance metrics (temperature profiles, cycle duration, energy usage).
• Prepare reports on firing efficiency, defect rates, and kiln downtime.
• Maintain technical documentation, firing logs, and process records.
• Ensure adherence to plant safety policies during kiln operation and maintenance.
• Promote safe work practices and assist in safety training sessions.
• Work closely with production, quality, R&D, and maintenance teams.
• Participate in new equipment installations, kiln commissioning, and startup procedures.

Skills

Ceramic firing knowledge

Heat transfer principles

Data analysis

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Education

B.Sc. in Ceramic/Mechanical/Industrial/Chemical/Manufacturing Engineering or Materials Science

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PLC

SCADA

PID control

Kiln monitoring software

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Monitor kiln firing processes to ensure optimal temperature control and cycle adherence

Assist in developing and adjusting firing schedules based on product requirements and material behavior

Ensure uniform heat distribution and proper loading patterns to minimize defects

Process Optimization

Analyze firing data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement

mplement changes to improve firing quality, reduce cycle times, and optimize energy usage

Quality and Defect Control

Investigate firing‑related defects such as warping, underfiring, or overfiring

Work with quality control to address non‑conformance issues and implement corrective actions

Conduct trials for new products or material compositions and evaluate kiln performance

Maintenance Collaboration

Coordinate with maintenance for routine kiln checks and preventive maintenance

Monitor the condition of refractory linings and insulation materials

Provide technical input on kiln repairs, upgrades, and part replacements

Data Analysis & Reporting

Record and analyze kiln performance metrics (temperature profiles, cycle duration, energy usage)

Prepare reports on firing efficiency, defect rates, and kiln downtime

Maintain technical documentation, firing logs, and process records

Safety and Compliance

Ensure adherence to plant safety policies during kiln operation and maintenance

Support risk assessments and safety audits related to thermal processes

Promote safe work practices and assist in safety training sessions

Cross-functional Collaboration

Work closely with production, quality, R&D, and maintenance teams

Participate in new equipment installations, kiln commissioning, and startup procedures.

Technical & General Skills Requirements

Understanding of ceramic firing processes and material behavior

Familiarity with firing curves and heat transfer principles

Experience with kiln control systems (PLC, SCADA, PID)

Ability to identify and analyze firing defects (e.g., warping, underfiring)

Basic understanding of refractory materials and insulation

Knowledge of kiln safety standards and high-temperature operations

Proficiency in kiln monitoring software and PLC interfaces

Basic ERP system knowledge (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

Ability to generate technical reports and documentation

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Attention to detail and quality-focused

Good communication and teamwork skills

Ability to work under pressure and troubleshoot issues quickly

Self-motivated and adaptable to new technologies

Technical Qualifications

B.Sc. In Ceramic/Mechanical/Industrial/Chemical/Manufacturing Engineering or material science. (Masters degree is preferred)

Min. 1-3 years in ceramic manufacturing or thermal processing environments

Good command of English both written and oral

Knowledge of kiln operation and ceramic production processes

Guocera Tile Industries is a member of the Hong Leong Group, a Malaysian conglomerate with diverse businesses interests in various countries globally. CERAMICHE GUOCERA ranks among the most reputable brands in the global marketplace, supplying tiles to many prestigious commercial and residential development projects in over 50 countries worldwide. We provide a complete range of products ranging from glazed wall & floor tiles, porcelain tiles to fashionable crafted decorative accessories. Our team of more than 1,000 employees in our operations in Petaling Jaya, Kluang and Meru are committed to providing the best products to our customers wherever they are in the world. In line with our continuous quest for growth and globalization of our business activities, we seek ambitious and dynamic professional’s to join our team.

Hong Leong Group is involved in a wide range of manufacturing and distribution activities that generates a revenue base exceeding USD 2.5 billion. The Group's manufacturing and distribution operations and products are represented and distributed by a worldwide network of branches, appointed distributors and agents. Leveraging on its diversity and strength, the Group is committed to producing goods of the highest quality at affordable prices through continuous improvement, innovation, research and development.

Our Locations:

Head Office :

Petaling Jaya

Factory :

Meru, Klang and Kluang, Johor

Ceramic Research Company

Kapar, Selangor

Guocera Tile Industries is a member of the Hong Leong Group, a Malaysian conglomerate with diverse businesses interests in various countries globally. CERAMICHE GUOCERA ranks among the most reputable brands in the global marketplace, supplying tiles to many prestigious commercial and residential development projects in over 50 countries worldwide. We provide a complete range of products ranging from glazed wall & floor tiles, porcelain tiles to fashionable crafted decorative accessories. Our team of more than 1,000 employees in our operations in Petaling Jaya, Kluang and Meru are committed to providing the best products to our customers wherever they are in the world. In line with our continuous quest for growth and globalization of our business activities, we seek ambitious and dynamic professional’s to join our team.

Hong Leong Group is involved in a wide range of manufacturing and distribution activities that generates a revenue base exceeding USD 2.5 billion. The Group's manufacturing and distribution operations and products are represented and distributed by a worldwide network of branches, appointed distributors and agents. Leveraging on its diversity and strength, the Group is committed to producing goods of the highest quality at affordable prices through continuous improvement, innovation, research and development.