Ceramics Engineering Manager

Spectrum Control, Inc.; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Control, Inc. is seeking a Ceramics Engineering Manager to oversee the design and manufacturing of advanced ceramic materials for commercial and aerospace applications. The successful candidate will lead new product introductions and ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Applicants should have a background in ceramics engineering with experience in electronic components, and familiarity with aerospace quality standards. This on-site role emphasizes innovation and collaboration across engineering and operations teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in ceramics engineering focused on electronic components.
• Strong background in ceramic chemistry and high-temperature sintering.
• Familiarity with aerospace & defense quality systems (e.g., AS9100).

Responsibilities

• Manage design and support of electrical ceramic devices.
• Lead optimization of ceramic manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Engineering teams.

Skills

Technical Expertise

Analytical Skills

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or related field

Master’s degree in relevant field (desired)

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Summary

The Ceramics Engineering Manager will play a critical role in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced ceramic materials and components used in commercial and aerospace & defense electronics applications. This position leads new product introduction, process development and control, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with rigorous quality, reliability, and regulatory standards. As a technical subject matter expert, the Ceramics Engineering Manager will drive material innovation, optimize production processes, and collaborate across engineering, quality, and operations teams to deliver best‑in‑class electronic components to customers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides direction and manages the design, development and support of electrical ceramic devices by planning, organizing and controlling engineering projects and activities.
• Leads the design, formulation, and processing of ceramic materials and associated metal systems for high‑reliability electronic components.
• Leads development and optimization of ceramic manufacturing processes and equipment, including powder processing, forming, sintering, coating, and finishing.
• Partners and interfaces with other product design engineering groups to align material properties with electronic component performance requirements.
• Devise, implement and lead value engineering, quality improvement projects as well as application of Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies to improve throughput, process repeatability, yields, quality and reliability.
• Supports certification, qualification, and customer audit requirements for aerospace & defense programs.
• Author and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, process instructions, and validation reports.
• Leads collaboration cross‑functionally with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to ensure manufacturability and compliance.
• Monitors product to established quality levels and adjusts designs and processes to meet or exceed STDs of timely completion, manufacturability, cost targets and technical performance.
• Evaluates and recommends new material, design, process technologies and equipment.
• Evaluates and approves raw material suppliers, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.
• Provides technical support during customer reviews, regulatory audits, and program milestones.
• Staffs, supervises, mentors, develops engineering personnel and technicians in ceramic design and process best practices with feedback and coaching.
• Stays current with advancements in ceramic materials and electronic component technology.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Ceramics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field (Master’s desired).
• 5+ years of experience in ceramics engineering, with a focus on electronic components, aerospace, or defense applications.
• Strong background in ceramic chemistry, powder processing, and high‑temperature sintering.
• Experience with RCCA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with aerospace & defense quality systems, standards, and certification requirements (e.g., AS9100, MIL‑SPEC).
• Proven track record of process development, scale‑up, and qualification in a manufacturing environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of ceramic materials science, electronic component design, and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in root cause analysis, statistical process control, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Adaptability: Able to balance multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, highly regulated environment.
• Attention to Detail: Strong commitment to accuracy and compliance with specifications.
• Organization: Skilled at planning, documenting, and executing technical projects.
• Work Environment: This position is located on‑site in a manufacturing facility.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c)