CERAMIC ENGINEERS California Occupational Guide Number 329 Interest Area 5-A 1995
THE JOB
What do astronauts, dentists, clumsy dishwashers, and astronomers have in common? Each depends on CERAMIC ENGINEERS to develop such varied products as protective tiles for space shuttles, ceramic fillings for teeth, unbreakable dinner plates, and sophisticated telescope lenses.
Ceramics have applications in virtually any industry which demands the use of heat-resistant materials. Ceramic Engineers are specialists in the study of these materials, their behavior, application, and use. They develop methods for processing nonmetallic inorganic materials into many ceramic products ranging from glassware, fiber optics products, cement, and bricks, to coatings for space vehicles, materials for microelectronics, components of nuclear fuel, and pollution control devices. Recent advances in physics and chemistry have expanded the applications of ceramic engineering from traditionally established industries to projects that encompass every area of technology.
Ceramic Engineers often specialize in one or more products: whitewares (porcelain and china dinnerware or high voltage electrical insulators), structural materials (brick, tile, and turbine blades), electronic ceramics (magnetics, memory systems, and microwave devices), protective and refractory coatings for metals, glass products, abrasives, and fuel elements for nuclear energy.
One of the top priority projects of Ceramic Engineers is the development of a ceramic engine which would replace the present diesel, gasoline and turbo engines.
The major functions of Ceramic Engineers are research, product development and production engineering. The engineer is frequently challenged to produce new ideas and to suggest solutions to difficult problems. Engineers may have extensive responsibilities such as preparing labor cost analyses or troubleshooting problems.
Ceramic Engineers experienced in both scientific and production aspects of the profession may also work as administrators, project supervisors, sales engineers or technical consultants to firms using ceramic materials.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Ceramic Engineer's work world varies from job to job according to the specialty and place of employment. As a research director, for example, the ceramic engineer may spend much of the day in the office evaluating and planning new projects or consulting with other engineers and company executives. By contrast, new engineers working in firms that manufacture ceramic products may work primarily in the laboratory where much of the time is spent running physical or chemical tests on raw materials or finished products and analyzing the results.
Tension may be a part of the job when difficulty is encountered in meeting production schedules or project deadlines.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. These figures represent the broad occupational group Metallurgists, Related Engineers which includes Ceramic Engineers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,940 Projected Growth 1990-2005 5% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 660
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
There is a shortage of Ceramic Engineers. Many Ceramic Engineers work in the nuclear field, as ceramic fuel materials make nuclear power generation possible. The electronics industry is a growth area for this technology, as ceramics are used as insulators for transistors and integrated circuits. Refractory ceramics are required in the refining of iron and aluminum, and this industry is especially in need of this type of worker. The exciting new field of fiber optics has had a dramatic effect on today's telecommunication and medical industries, and since ceramic components are used, Ceramic Engineers are playing a vital role in this new science.
One of the top research projects of Ceramic Engineers is the development of a ceramic engine which would replace the present diesel, gasoline, and turbo engines. This new engine would withstand extremely high temperatures, would be much lighter, would be more efficient, and would not wear out like metal engines.
To maintain a competitive edge in the market, ceramic companies will often hire Ceramic Engineers to serve in vital business and management areas.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Firms hiring newly graduated Ceramic Engineers with a bachelor's degree and no work experience usually offer starting salaries ranging from $19,000 to $29,000 annually. The range of pay for those holding master's degrees without work experience is between $28,000 and $36,000 a year. Engineers holding Ph.D.s who accept employment in private firms may expect starting wages of $40,000 to $55,000 a year. Top salaries vary widely according to the size of the firms, the type of work done, and the extent of the engineer's experience.
Life, health, and accident insurance and retirement benefits are usually offered to Ceramic Engineers on a contributing or employer-paid basis. Some employers also offer stock options, profit-sharing plans or pay annual bonuses.
The scheduled workweek for most engineers is 40 hours. However, if important project deadlines must be met or breakdowns in plants occur, engineers may be expected to work overtime as necessary.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A Bachelor of Science degree in ceramic engineering or materials science is virtually always required for entry-level jobs. Some firms, however, accept workers whose degrees are in materials engineering, physical chemistry, physics, or metallurgy if the undergraduate program has included ceramics. Advanced training and degrees are required for an increasing number of jobs in the ceramic engineering field, particularly for those engineers who specialize in research and development.
Ceramic Engineers frequently work with people from many levels. They must be able to communicate their ideas to managers, technicians, craftworkers, production workers, and customers alike. They should be able to work as part of a team, be innovative, and have an analytical mind. They should also demonstrate initiative and a capacity for remembering details, plus have the ability to cut across various disciplines and systematically evaluate and solve problems. Success in this profession requires a solid background in mathematics, physical, and social sciences, as well as ceramic engineering analysis and design.
ADVANCEMENT
Ceramic engineering graduates usually begin as junior or assistant engineers and, as they gain experience, may advance to positions of greater responsibility. Depending on the structure and product line of the firm, an engineer may advance to supervising engineer, chief engineer or plant manager. The Ceramic Engineer engaged in research may be given increasingly responsible assignments with corresponding salary increases and may progress to such positions as supervisor, project engineer or director of research. Most engineers who seek top industrial executive positions in administration or management will find it advantageous to obtain graduate or doctoral degrees in ceramic engineering, materials science or business administration.
FINDING THE JOB
Ceramic Engineers can apply directly to firms which employ engineers in a particular specialty or reply to advertisements in newspapers and professional journals. Prospective workers should also check with their college placement centers, since recruiting employers often ask faculty members for recommendations. Personal contacts through professional organizations or societies are also common ways to find work. Federal and other governmental agencies employ Ceramic Engineers, and job seekers should take the appropriate civil service examinations. In addition, both engineers and employers use the offices of private employment agencies and the Job Service of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The American Ceramic Society 735 Ceramic Place Westerville, OH 43081
University of California - Berkeley Materials Science & Mineral Engineering 577 Evans Hall, #1760 Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 642-3801
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Mechanical Engineers No. 5 Chemical Engineers No. 8 Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Civil Engineers No. 39 Nuclear Engineers No. 367
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev 1) Ceramic Engineer 006.061-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Metallurgists and Metallurgical, Ceramic, and Materials Engineers 221050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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