What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ceramic Engineer position at Fireclay Tile, Inc.?
Ceramic Engineer
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 only 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. Looking for ceramic engineering opportunities? Come join the makers who support the dreamers!
The Team You'll Work With…
We are currently looking for a Ceramic Engineer who wants to become an owner! Fireclay is employee-owned, which means when you say “my company,” you are in a position to really mean it. The ideal candidate has a passion for Materials and processes in a large-scale, high-paced setting. In this role, you will report to the Ceramic Engineer and work closely with Production managers and leads. If you have ingenuity, talent, a passion for what you do, flexibility and an “on the plant floor mentality”! We are looking for a doer who is focused relentlessly on execution and recognizes that these roles are as much about the details as they are about high-level strategic execution. This role reports to the Director of Innovation and is located in Aromas, CA. Check out our benefits! The pay range for this position is between $75,000-$90,000 annually.
The Opportunities You Will Have …
- You will perform rigorous inspection and testing of raw materials on the plant floor to ensure they meet quality and compliance standards.
- Coordinate with suppliers to address any discrepancies or quality issues with raw materials.
- Develop, implement, and maintain testing protocols in the laboratory to assess raw material characteristics and properties, ensuring alignment with baseline standards.
- Use laboratory equipment and techniques to measure and analyze raw materials against established specifications, identifying deviations that could impact product quality.
- Conduct a thorough analysis of test results and work with suppliers to improve raw material consistency and conformance to standards.
- Work collaboratively with production teams to improve the intake and handling of raw materials on the plant floor, emphasizing the prevention of contamination and degradation.
- Regularly review and update raw material specifications to align with advancements in industry standards and technological developments.
- Oversee the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable testing results.
- Maintain detailed records of raw material inspections, test results, and corrective actions, ensuring traceability and compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the understanding of raw material characteristics and their impact on final ceramic products’ quality, and implement appropriate adjustments in production processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing raw material utilization, reducing waste, and enhancing product quality.
- Interface with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure the timely availability of high-quality raw materials, addressing supply chain risks, and mitigating potential impacts on production.
Physical Demands:
- This role will be based out of our Aromas, CA location. This is a manufacturing environment with loud noises and some exposure to dust and the natural environment
- Travel, when appropriate, will be expected between our Aromas and San Francisco locations at least quarterly and possibly to other areas throughout the U.S. to meet with team members, attend conferences, or visit with peer companies
- You will be walking throughout the facility and may occasionally be required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. You may be asked to lift boxes or other items that can range from 10-40lbs
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.
About You …
You are a pursuer of innovative solutions who possesses an unwavering commitment to detail. The intricate nuances of maintaining meticulous records, conducting thorough inspections, and ensuring adherence to quality parameters are second nature to you. You cultivate a mindset that leans heavily on analytical prowess, allowing you to scrutinize data, discern meaningful patterns, and make sound, data-driven decisions. Ethical considerations and unwavering adherence to compliance standards guide your actions, ensuring that all processes align with both internal quality norms and external regulations. An adept risk manager, you are vigilant in identifying potential disruptions in the supply chain that could impact production and take preemptive measures to mitigate such risks. You have:
- Project Management experience (a plus)
- XRF Chemical Analysis
- Experience with ASTM and ANSI Tile testing.
- Strong Analytical skills
- 5S experience in a lab environment
- Knowledge and appreciation of Lean Manufacturing
- Team player - you will be working with the entire production team
- Bachelor’s Degree: Ceramics, Materials Science and Engineering, or related experience
- Spanish speaking skills (a plus)
Meet the Hiring Manager, Mark Bell!
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. In addition, Fireclay will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let us know by contacting people@fireclaytile.com. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at people@fireclaytile.com.
Salary : $75,000 - $90,000
