Ceramic Engineer

Base pay range

$110,000 - $130,000 per year

Fireclay Tile is here to revolutionize the tile and design industry. By implementing an innovative digital platform paired with unmatched artisan‑crafted products and client service, we’ve made it easier than ever to specify and purchase beautiful, sustainable tile sourced and handcrafted in the US. Our commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainability has been recognized through B Corp certification. We aim to grow 25‑35% annually and are changing the way you think about tile.

• Kindness
• Honesty
• Tread Lightly on the Earth
• Measure Twice, Cut Once
• Ganas (Desire)

• Product Standard Enhancement:
  Lead research and development to improve current tile characteristics, meeting or exceeding advanced industry standards for extruded red clay body tile.
  • Freeze‑Thaw Resistance – develop formulations and firing protocols for full frost‑proof classification (ASTM C1026 equivalent).
  • Crazing Elimination/Control – innovate glaze and body compositions to substantially reduce or eliminate crazing while preserving aesthetic appeal.
  • Dimensional Stability – improve planarity and reduce size variation beyond the current 1/16" to 1/8" variance to meet stringent industry standards.
• Raw Material Sourcing & Cost Optimization – proactively identify and evaluate alternative raw materials to mitigate supply chain risks, improve material purity, and achieve cost efficiencies without compromising product integrity or sustainability commitments (e.g., recycled content, regional sourcing).
• New Product & Glaze Development – formulate novel clay bodies and glazes to expand Fireclay Tile's product offerings and enable entry into new market segments and applications (e.g., acid resistance for countertops/pools, abrasion resistance).
• Market Benchmarking & Trend Analysis – continuously research and benchmark Fireclay’s products against emerging market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation.
• Laboratory Leadership – oversee and direct activities within the Glaze and Material Science Laboratories, guiding experimental product design, analytical testing, and material characterization.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – work closely with Production, Marketing, and Sales teams to translate market requirements and aesthetic visions into technical specifications and viable product solutions.
• Intellectual Property – contribute to the protection of new formulations and processes through documentation and IP considerations.
• Team Leadership & Management – build and manage a team, including direct oversight of the Ceramic Process Quality Engineer.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D or product development within the ceramic tile or advanced ceramics industry, with a proven track record of successful product innovation.
• In‑depth theoretical and practical knowledge of ceramic raw materials, glaze chemistry, body formulation, and advanced firing techniques.
• Expertise in the operation and development of firing curves for both roller hearth and periodic kilns, focusing on achieving specific material properties and aesthetic outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex ceramic defects (e.g., crazing, warping, firing cracks) and develop robust solutions.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ANSI, and ISO standards for ceramic tile performance (e.g., freeze‑thaw, DCOF, abrasion, chemical resistance).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, able to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• A passion for sustainability and alignment with Fireclay Tile’s commitment to handcrafted quality and environmental stewardship.

• Medical, dental, vision, and other comprehensive benefits.
• 4% 401(k) match.
• Flexible time off (FTO) and parental leave.
• Professional development, ongoing training, and growth opportunities.
• Other perks such as sick time and additional benefits available upon offer.

Fireclay provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Fireclay will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let us know by contacting