Junior R&D Ceramics Engineer

RHI Magnesita; York (York County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Benefits Package

401(k) Matching

Paid Time Off

Training & Development

Inclusive Work Environment

Job summary

RHI Magnesita in York, PA is seeking a Junior Research & Development Ceramics Engineer to support development and optimization of refractory products, raw materials, and manufacturing processes through laboratory research and trials.

You will analyze data, prepare technical documentation, and collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Sales to drive product improvements and innovation while contributing to strategic research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in technical roles in manufacturing or research.
• Knowledge of ceramic/refractory chemistry is a plus.
• Hands-on testing of raw materials using lab equipment is beneficial.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and basic statistics.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and in teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal collaboration across functions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab studies on refractory ceramic products and raw materials.
• Plan, execute, monitor and analyze lab, plant and field trials.
• Identify opportunities via customer visits, suppliers, and industry research.
• Generate and maintain technical docs and test reports.
• Coordinate production and field trials with Operations, Quality, Marketing and Sales.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Supervise raw material trials and post-mortem investigations.
• Support strategic research initiatives with sound technical judgment.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Education

BS in Materials Science / Geology / Chemistry

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Fully On-Site

Junior Research & Development Ceramics Engineer

Location: York, PA

About The Opportunity

RHI Magnesita has an exciting opportunity for a Junior Research & Development Ceramics Engineer in York, PA. In this role, you will support the development and optimization of refractory products, raw materials, and manufacturing processes through laboratory research, plant trials, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration. Working with experienced technical professionals, you will help drive innovation, improve product performance, and contribute to projects that support our customers and business objectives.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct laboratory studies on basic research/innovation projects of refractory ceramic products and raw materials.
• Plan, execute, monitor, and analyze laboratory, plant, and field trials to support product development and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities for technology advancement through customer visits, supplier interactions, industry research, and collaboration with internal teams.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, including product and raw material data sheets and test reports.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Technical Marketing, and Sales teams to coordinate and evaluate production and field trials.
• Analyze experimental data and communicate findings and recommendations to technical and business stakeholders.
• Supervise raw material trials.
• Perform post‑mortem investigations to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support strategic research initiatives while demonstrating sound technical judgment and a process‑oriented approach to problem solving.

What You Bring

• Bachelor of Science degree required, preferably in Materials Science, Geology, Chemistry or related scientific fields.
• Experience in technical‑related positions in the manufacturing industry through employment, internships, co‑ops, or academic research.
• Knowledge of fundamental chemical principles of refractory/ceramics are a plus.
• Hands‑on testing of raw materials by using lab equipment is a plus.
• Computer literacy: Advanced skills in Microsoft 365 – Word, Power Point, Excel and basic statistics for data treatment and analysis.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects while working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across different functions and organizational levels.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – With company matching to help you plan for your future.
• Paid Time Off
• Training & Development – Access to learning resources and career development programs.
• Inclusive Work Environment – A culture that values diversity, safety, and collaboration.

About RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high‑grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high‑temperature processes in a wide range of industries. Serving customers around the world, RHI Magnesita has more than 20,000 employees in 65 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices.

RHI Magnesita’s team in North America helps build refractory products that solve the most extreme manufacturing challenges. From advanced lithium‑ion batteries for laptops and EVs and specialized glass on smartphones and tablets, to the steel and cement that build the world around us, our high‑performance bricks and linings make it possible to melt, bend, shape, and refine these materials at extreme temperatures.

With a vertically integrated value chain, RHI Magnesita has helped forge the materials that build industries and economies for almost 200 years. Refractory products are essential to the production processes for cement, steel, aluminum, and many other industrial producers in the region.

Come get fired up with our North American team!

Nearest Major Market

York PA

Nearest Secondary Market

Lancaster