Ceramic Process Engineer

CyberCoders; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

FSA/HSA

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

CyberCoders is seeking a Ceramic Process Engineer in State College, PA to develop and optimize processing routes for lead-based piezoelectric ceramics, bridging R&D and manufacturing to ensure high performance and yield.

The role focuses on scaling from laboratory to pilot and production environments, applying statistical methods and collaborating with Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality teams to maintain cost and efficiency targets.

Qualifications

• BS in materials/cermic/chemical engineering or related field.
• Experience with powder synthesis, forming methods, and thermal processing.
• Experience with SEM/EDS/XRD for microstructure and phase analysis.
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ceramic processing routes from powder synthesis to forming.
• Establish sintering schedules and thermal processing conditions.
• Characterize materials for density, grain size, and dielectric properties.
• Conduct powder and microstructural characterization (SEM, EDS, XRD).
• Scale lab processes to pilot and production with cost control.
• Document results and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Apply statistical methods to monitor production performance.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality teams.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

BS in Materials Science and Engineering

Ceramic Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Tools

SEM

EDS

XRD

Impedance analysis

Ferroelectric testing

Job description

Ceramic Process Engineer

Location: State College, PA
Salary: $70,000 - $85,000 per year
Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Ceramic Process Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling processing techniques for lead-based piezoelectric ceramics to ensure high performance, yield, and reliability in production. The position bridges R&D and manufacturing, supporting next‑generation piezoelectric materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ceramic processing routes, including powder synthesis, milling, spray drying, pressing, and green forming.
• Establish sintering schedules and thermal processing conditions to achieve targeted microstructures and electromechanical properties.
• Characterize ceramic materials for density, grain size, phase purity, and dielectric/piezoelectric properties, correlating results with processing parameters.
• Conduct powder and microstructural characterization using SEM, EDS, and XRD, and establish correlations with processing parameters.
• Execute process trials, perform root‑cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve quality, consistency, and yield.
• Scale laboratory processes to pilot and production environments while maintaining cost and efficiency targets.
• Document experimental results, prepare technical reports, and present findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Apply statistical methods to monitor, interpret, and optimize production performance.
• Collaborate effectively with Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality teams in a high‑energy, team‑oriented environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of powder synthesis, forming methods (uniaxial/isostatic pressing), and thermal processing.
• Hands‑on experience with SEM, EDS, and XRD for microstructural and phase analysis.
• Familiarity with electrode techniques (sputtering, screen printing, plating) and ceramic‑metal integration.
• Proficiency in electrical characterization tools (impedance analysis, ferroelectric/piezoelectric testing).
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Excellent time management, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑motivated and safety‑oriented, with the ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Physical ability to manipulate parts weighing up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Salary: $70,000 - $85,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays