Ceramic engineers use basic principles from chemistry and physics to understand how to design new materials at the atomic level, then process these materials into useful forms. You might develop exterior tiles for the next Space Station, cathodes for fuel cells, conductive ceramics used in microprocessors and solar panels, bioactive glasses that help cure liver cancer in humans, flexible prosthetics for Paralympic athletes, or lenses in night-vision goggles for pilots.

Where do ceramic engineers work?

S&T ceramic engineering grads are highly sought after, and have gone on to work for some of the most respected and successful companies in the country, including Corning, Kohler, Alcoa, Caterpillar, Boeing, 3M, General Motors, Motorola, and even NASA. Ceramic materials are used in a wide range of industries, including mining, aerospace, medicine, refining, the food industry, the chemical industry, packaging science, electronics, industrial and transmission electricity, and guided lightwave transmission.