Job Details

Ceramic Engineer
Location: Lenoir City, TN (Relocation Assistance Provided)
Compensation: Based on experience + 10% bonus potential
Schedule: Full-time, onsite
Why This Role Stands Out

• Full-time, salaried position with long-term stability
• Relocation assistance offered for the right candidate
• Strong support and hands-on training during the transition period - current engineer is nearing retirement
• Well-established manufacturer with advanced technology and a strong customer base
• Direct impact on product quality, process control, and oven performance
• Solid team, well-maintained equipment, and supportive leadership
• Work in a technically advanced facility focused on continuous improvement

What You'll Take On
We're looking for a skilled and hands-on Ceramic Engineer to join our team at a leading manufacturing facility in Tennessee. The current thermal processing expert is planning for retirement, and we're hiring someone now to train and take full ownership of the ovens department. This role is focused on firing processes; monitoring, adjusting, and optimizing how products are processed through large industrial ovens.
Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee and optimize firing operations in high-temperature ovens (kilns) to meet quality and production targets
• Adjust temperature profiles, burner controls, and oven curves based on product specs
• Analyze data to improve throughput, minimize waste, and maintain consistent product output
• Develop standard operating procedures and ensure safe operating practices are followed
• Train operators and technicians on thermal processing procedures and troubleshooting methods
• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance oven performance and reduce downtime
• Coordinate oven maintenance, rebuilds, and upgrades alongside the maintenance team
• Act as the point person for all technical issues related to thermal processing
• Use ERP/CMMS systems to manage data, track performance, and plan maintenance schedules

What You'll Bring

• Required: Minimum 3 years of experience working with ceramic materials in a manufacturing setting
• Preferred: BS in Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
• Strong working knowledge of industrial ovens or kilns (e.g., Sacmi equipment or similar systems)
• Solid mechanical aptitude-comfortable with combustion systems, burners, fans, and controls
• Skilled at using process data (e.g., temperature curves, firing durations) to make improvements
• Experience writing SOPs and training staff in a production environment
• Confident troubleshooting high-temperature processes and solving complex issues
• Comfortable working in a production plant with hands-on responsibilities

Personality Fit

• Enjoys solving tough technical problems and being in the thick of daily operations
• Calm under pressure and quick to take initiative
• Able to train and lead others while still rolling up their sleeves
• Values accountability, clear communication, and collaboration
• Ready to step into a key technical leadership role and grow with the team

If you're a ceramic processing expert ready to take ownership of a vital department and play a key role in a growing, stable manufacturing environment-this could be your next move. Apply now to get the conversation started.

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