Kiln Engineer

Guocera; Kluang; On-site; MYR 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Guocera Malaysia in Johor is seeking a Kiln Firing Process Engineer to monitor kiln firing, adjust schedules, ensure uniform heat distribution, and minimize defects.

You will analyze firing data, drive process improvements, collaborate with maintenance and quality teams, and support safety and compliance in a fast-paced ceramic manufacturing environment.

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).
• English proficient in written and spoken communication.

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 and address non-conformance issues with quality control.
• Coordinate with maintenance for routine kiln checks and preventive maintenance.
• Record and analyze kiln performance metrics and prepare reports on firing efficiency and downtime.

Skills

Ceramic firing

Firing curves

Heat transfer

Kiln control

PLC/SCADA

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Teamwork

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

B.Sc. Ceramic Eng

Masters preferred

Tools

ERP SAP

Minitab

Excel

PLC interfaces

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-filled 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.

Main 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

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
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

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)
• Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, MATLAB, etc.)
• 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