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IPS Ceramics Job Vacancy: Materials Engineer
Posted by Tom Evans on April 9, 2025
Role: Materials Engineer
Location: Office based in Stoke-on-Trent ST5 (but opportunity for some overseas travel)
Salary: Salary negotiable
Employment: Permanent; full-time; 25 days annual holiday plus statutory Bank holidays
Right to work: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We do not sponsor visa applications.
We are looking for a materials science engineer / ceramicist to lead on all technical activities in our very friendly SME based in Stoke-on-Trent.
IPS Ceramics are a leading supplier of kiln furniture and industrial ceramics to the UK, Europe, Asia, and the United States. A key market remains our kiln furniture for the traditional ceramics industry, but we also supply technical ceramics into a vast range of industries – from bread ovens and crematoriums to aerospace and high-end audiophile equipment.
As the materials engineer you will work as part of a small team using your knowledge of materials science and engineering principles, to identify and develop material solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of industrial processes and customer applications.
You will be working alongside the current Technical Manager for about 3 years, as part of a planned succession training. During this time, you will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of our design activity, manufacturing and quality systems, product ranges, and customer applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Management of the Quality Assurance system including liaising with our partner company and other suppliers on quality issues (some overseas travel required)
- Provide technical input into customer enquiries, helping to match products and materials to the needs of the application, and answering technical queries from customers
- Respond to customer complaints, including some material testing and site visits
- Write the manufacturing specification for new products and assist the Design Manager with structural analysis calculations
- Work with our marketing manager to produce promotional material and website content
- Develop the IPS knowledge base, investigating new applications, products, and materials
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- This role would suit a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in materials science / ceramic technology or a relevant discipline, although experience would be beneficial
- A good knowledge of the mechanical and thermal properties of ceramics and other engineering materials, with some experience of testing procedures
- An understanding of ceramic manufacturing technologies is desirable
- Able to understand technical drawings with a basic awareness of structural design principles
- Inquisitive, with a genuine interest in science and technology; eager to learn
- A clear communicator who is happy to share knowledge with other members of the team
If this specialist development opportunity sounds interesting, please send your CV to Brian Wycherley, our technical manager, at b.wycherley@ipsceramics.com.