Materials Engineer

We are here to revolutionize the tile industry. By implementing an innovative online platform paired with an unmatched product and customer service, we've made it easier than ever to shop for and specify beautiful, sustainable tile sourced and handcrafted in the USA. Our tireless commitment to innovation, transparency and sustainability has not gone unrecognized. We've had the honor of making the 2015 & 2016 Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. and are the only tile company recognized as a B Corp for how we use business as a force of good. With an innovative product, an ambitious team, and a simple mission, we're changing the way our clients think about tile.

Team You’ll Work With…

We are currently looking for a Materials 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 work directly with our Ceramic Engineer and Production managers.

The Opportunities You’ll Have…

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 the high-level strategic execution.

The Materials Engineer will assist in the determination of standards of the raw materials, process, and product of Fireclay Tile. They will be responsible for reporting on raw materials, manufacturing standards, and systems, and ensuring that we are producing the highest quality product. 

About You…

• Develop processing methods for new materials, with oversight in the implementation of new processes
• Develop processes to ensure a quick turnaround on experiments and quality focuses
• Characterize experimental types of materials and generate data sheets
• Perform manufacturing process optimization experiments for yield, cost, throughout and cycle time
• Interface with outside entities, including raw material suppliers and other suppliers to ensure complete technical understanding
• Interface with customers for quality optimization to meet specific application requirements
• Transfer processes to manufacturing, including documentation and training

• Planning, scheduling, tracking, and reporting of testing systems to ensure that we hit targets within timelines and budget
• Continued support in Quality control systems and problem-solving to support production
• Product optimization through testing (either independently or with lab and partners)
• Support in production operations to ensure the team continues to hit attainment 
• Continued machinery testing and learning to ensure measurements and troubleshooting happens in a timely manner

• Project Management experience is a plus
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload under minimal supervisor
• Analytical skills
• Knowledge and appreciation of Lean Manufacturing
• Team player - you will be working with the entire production team
• Ability to respect and communicate across lines of cultural differences  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders including Senior Leadership
• Read and write in English. Fluency or proficiency in Spanish is a plus
• 3-5 years of work experience in Manufacturing as an engineer or materials scientist

• Bachelor’s Degree: Ceramics, Materials Science and Engineering, or other related

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Travel, when appropriate, will be expected to areas throughout the U.S. to meet with team members, attend conferences, or visit with peer companies. This could be as much as 1-2 times per quarter.

• 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 a 10-50 lbs weight range 

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 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.