Ceramic Engineer

Overview

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 tireless commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainability has not gone unrecognized. We aim to grow 25-35% annually and are the first tile company recognized as a B Corp for how we use Business as a Force for Good.

With an innovative product, an ambitious team, and an inspiring mission, we're changing the way you think about tile. If you’re searching for product engineer jobs, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. Come join the makers who support the dreamers!

Serving as a Fireclay Tile Brand Ambassador
, representing our core values including:
Kindness ○ Honesty ○ Tread Lightly on the Earth ○ Measure Twice, Cut Once ○ Ganas (Desire). Accountable to the B Corp standards, we take care of our People and our Planet while turning a Profit.

The Team You’ll Work With
… As the Ceramic Engineer, you will be an integral part of our talented Innovation team, collaborating to drive strategic initiatives to enhance product durability, expand application suitability, and introduce innovative solutions that position Fireclay Tile as a leader in the wider market. You will be responsible for defining and elevating the performance standards of Fireclay Tile's Original Ceramic product line, playing a key role in continuous benchmarking against market, proactive material research for supply chain resilience and cost optimization, and the development of new clay bodies and glazes to meet evolving market demands and design trends.

This role offers the opportunity to set the quality benchmarks against which all Fireclay products will be measured. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, this position is located in Aromas, CA, our Factory Headquarters. Our culture thrives on professional development, ongoing training, and opportunities for growth within the organization. This is a salary position and pays $110k-$130k (Depending on Experience).

Meet the Hiring Manager, Nirmal Ravichandran!

• Product Standard Enhancement:
  Lead research and development efforts to improve existing product characteristics to meet or exceed advanced industry standards for extruded red clay body tile, specifically focusing on:
• • Freeze-Thaw Resistance:
    Develop formulations and firing protocols to achieve full frost-proof classification (e.g., ASTM C1026 equivalent to our Brick product) for broader outdoor applicability.
  • Crazing Elimination/Control:
    Innovate glaze and body compositions to significantly reduce or eliminate undesirable crazing across a wider range of finishes, 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 for rectified or highly consistent tile, enhancing ease of installation and aesthetic precision.
• 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., utilizing recycled content, regional sourcing).
• New Product & Glaze Development:
  Formulate novel clay bodies and glazes to expand Fireclay Tile's product offerings, enabling entry into new market segments and applications (e.g., enhanced acid resistance for countertops/pools, improved 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. Analyze consumer feedback and common product shortcomings (e.g., grout staining issues) to inform R&D priorities.
• Laboratory Leadership:
  Oversee and direct activities within the Glaze and Material Science Laboratories, guiding experimental product design, analytical testing, and…