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Ceramic Engineers are materials science specialists who conduct research, design plants and equipment, develop processing techniques, and direct technical work concerned with the manufacture of ceramic products. Ceramics includes all nonmetallic inorganic materials which require high temperature processing. Examples (traditional) are pottery, brick, glassware, and (advanced) rotors in jet aircraft engines, gas and steam turbines, and containers for storing nuclear and chemical wastes. Other examples are: photovoltaic cells, microwave and solar heating devices, prefabricated sheets for prefab homes, rare-earth glasses for lasers, magnetic-bubble memory devices, and glass and graphite fibers. Some ceramic materials are used as surgical implants in the human body.  Ceramics are now used in wireless devices and high frequency chip capacitors.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Ceramic Engineers may:

Direct the testing of physical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties of ceramic materials, such as clays and silicas

Analyze test results to determine combinations of materials which would improve product quality

Research methods of processing, forming, and firing of inorganic, nonmetallic raw materials to develop new ceramic products including ceramic machine tools and heat resistant coatings for space vehicles

Investigate methods to create new ceramic products for various uses such as guided missiles and energy conservation devices

Design equipment used to form, fire, and handle ceramic products

Coordinate the testing of finished ceramic products for characteristics such as color, texture, durability, and refractory (heat resisting) properties

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Ceramic Engineers may specialize in these areas:

006.061-014 CERAMIC ENGINEERS conduct research, design plants and equipment, develop processing techniques, and direct technical work concerned with the manufacture of ceramic products.

006.061-018 CERAMIC RESEARCH ENGINEERS conduct research to develop new or improved ceramic products and better manufacturing processes.

006.061-010 CERAMIC DESIGN ENGINEERS design ceramic manufacturing plants, equipment, and products. They may also supervise construction of plants and equipment used in the manufacturing of ceramic products.

006.061-022 CERAMIC TEST ENGINEERS conduct tests on finished ceramic products. New specialties are emerging with increased demand for highly sophisticated ceramic products. Bioceramic Engineers work with medical specialists to develop components used as body sensors and monitors. Dielectrical Engineers work on the production of thermal, nuclear, and electrical current containment for power generation. Firing studies specialists try to reduce the energy consumption needed to produce ceramic products. Other emerging specialty fields include fractography, the analysis of breaks and cracks in materials; fiber optics, the development of silica glass fibers; and plastics and other synthetic materials development. Some Ceramic Engineers specialize in particular ceramic products such as whitewares (porcelain and china dinnerware or high voltage electrical insulators); structural materials (such as brick, tile, and terra cotta); electronic ceramics; protective and refractory coatings for metals; glass; abrasives (for grinding tools); cement; or fuel elements for nuclear or other energy forms.

Experienced Ceramic Engineers may work in management or as technical marketing and sales personnel identifying potential applications and products, selling ceramic products and manufacturing equipment and providing technical services for clients. They may also teach in colleges and universities or serve as consultants to business, industry or government.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following CEscripts:

  WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Ceramic Engineers may work alone or with other engineers. They usually work under the general supervision of a chief engineer and they may supervise technicians or other personnel.

Working conditions vary with the particular job, including work in offices, laboratories, and classrooms that are well lighted and ventilated. Others work in manufacturing plants were they may be exposed to odors, toxic fumes, noise, dust, and high temperatures.

They generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Engineers working in production may work second or third shifts, rotating shifts, or be on call. They might have to work overtime in order to finish projects. Traveling may be necessary to attend meetings, supervise plant construction, or providing consulting services.

Ceramic Engineers may join professional associations such as the American Ceramic Society or the National Society of Professional Engineers. Ceramic Engineers who join associations must pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities that are of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which require creative imagination

You Should Be Able To:

• Plan, direct, and control the activities of others

• Rate information using standards that can be measured

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Think logically (in a clear and organized manner)

• Adjust to a variety of different tasks

• Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of objects/lines/figures

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

You are designing a funnel for home use. How long does it take the funnel to drain if the radius is 5 centimeters and the height is 6 centimeters?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A cylindrical shell is a solid enclosed by two concentric right-circular cylinders.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Write an explanation of why one of your designs is failing to perform up to expectations.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You get a complaint about a design of yours; you should be able to brainstorm reasons for the below standard operations.

Engineers that perform work that affects public health, life or property must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Board of Professional Engineers. The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Engineer, Licensed Professional for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Cescript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this CEscript

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***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.

095 MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Programs in Materials Engineering provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment conducting research, designing machinery, developing processing techniques, and directing technical work concerned with the manufacture of ceramic, polymer, and silicone products. Materials Engineers work in the aerospace, electronics, and nuclear energy industries.

Courses within this program vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

  ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this CEscript.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this CEscript.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

High school students may participate in the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), or science and engineering fairs. Part-time, work/study, or summer jobs with research laboratories of manufacturers may provide college and university students with opportunities for experience in the field. Postsecondary education programs in materials engineering may offer work-study programs which include practical experience.

Methods of entering the field include applying directly to employers and taking civil service exams. Assistance in locating a job may be available through college and university placement offices. Employers may send recruiters to college campuses or interview job seekers during professional society meetings. Professional societies also advertise job openings in such trade journals as The Chemical and Engineering News, Engineering, and Professional Engineer. Job openings may be located by consulting newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Careers, Colleges, & Training

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

MONSTER.COM

FlipDog.com

Yahoo!hotjobs

CareerBuilder

BlastMyResume.com

MONSTERTRAK.COM

Spherion Jobs

Contract Employment Weekly Online

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Ceramic Engineers depend on their experience, capabilities, job responsibilities, education; and on the type, size, and location of the employer. Ceramic Engineers with supervisory or managerial responsibilities generally earn higher salaries than others in this occupation.

In early 2004, average annual salaries for experienced Ceramic Engineers ranged from $57,500 to $72,000 depending on their level of responsibility. Licensed professional engineers, who have worked in the stone clay, glass and concrete products industry, earned median annual salaries of $92,275. Some highly experienced licensed professional Engineers earned over $115,343 or more per year (early 2004).  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $32,240 in 2003.

Depending on their college records, those employed by the federal government in 2004 earned annual starting salaries of:

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Nationally and in Michigan, according to limited information, bachelor degree graduates of metallurgical engineering programs, which included ceramic engineering, were offered average annual starting salaries of $47,710 (late 2003). 

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits may include paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; paid sick leave; tuition reimbursement; and savings and stock investment plans. Some employers offer grants for research and further education.

Ceramic Engineers usually start out as engineering trainees or junior Engineers. As they gain experience, they usually advance to a position of greater responsibility such as senior Engineer or Chief Engineer. Graduate education, professional registration, and supervisory ability as well as experience contribute to job advancement. Administrative and other executive positions as well as consulting or teaching are options open to experienced Ceramic Engineers.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 23,500 Materials Engineers (including Ceramic Engineers) employed nationally in 2002. In addition, a small number of Ceramic Engineers worked as college faculty members. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Opportunities for Ceramic Engineers are expected to be favorable because the number of openings is expected to exceed the number of engineers available.

Many of the industries in which these engineers are concentrated, such as stone, clay and glass products; primary metals; fabricated metal products; and transportation equipment industries, are expected to experience little if any employment growth through the year 2012. Anticipated employment growth in service industries, such as research and testing services and engineering and architectural services, however, should provide significant job openings as these firms are hired to develop improved materials for their industrial customers.

It is not known how many Ceramic Engineers were employed in Michigan. Most Ceramic Engineers worked in manufacturing industries. Others worked for various services, the federal government, mining companies, and utilities.

Ceramic Engineers will be needed to improve and adapt traditional products, such as whitewares and abrasives, to new uses. The development of filters and catalytic surfaces to reduce pollution along with the development of ceramic materials for energy conversion and conservation, should increase employment levels. Continued use of ceramics in the auto industry may affect employment. Ceramics are already used for certain engine parts that are subject to intense heat and wear. Technological developments in the physics and chemistry of solids, the application of heat processes, and basic research techniques and methods will encourage demand for highly trained specialists in this field.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

Copyright © 2004 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth