Ceramic Forming Equipment Operator

Make art possible—one precisely formed piece at a time

Imagine starting your morning by dialing in a RAM press, the heartbeat of our ceramic tile process. By afternoon, your calibrated settings and careful inspections ensure flawless chips and boards that artists and educators rely on. That’s the impact you’ll have as a Ceramic Forming Equipment Operator at AMACO.

Reports to: Formulated QA Lead

Our Story

Since 1919—when Ted O. Philpott founded American Art Clay Company—AMACO has led the way in ceramic and non-ceramic clays, lead-free glazes, electric kilns, and potter’s wheels. We helped establish the Arts and Creative Materials Institute in 1936 to set safety standards for children’s art materials. Today, as a third-generation, century-strong family business, we advance a culture of innovation and continuous improvement where everyone contributes to safety, quality, customer care, teamwork, respect, and learning.

Your Mission

• Run the RAM press and sponge roll cleaner with precision and safety.
• Load and unload RAM press dies and kilns to production schedules.
• Pour and prepare molds for tile production.
• Apply glaze with brush or sprayer to meet finish standards.
• Inspect chips and boards to catch cracks, defects, or contamination before they move on.
• Calibrate equipment and record settings to maintain repeatability.
• Clean equipment frequently and keep work areas organized and safe.

What It Takes

• Strong communication (written and verbal) and reading comprehension.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office tools: Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Ability to follow Work Instructions carefully and completely.
• Experience with hand tools such as a mixer, drill, and torque wrench.
• Team-first attitude with the ability to work independently when needed.
• Self-managed, motivated, and detail-focused to deliver quality ceramic finishes.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.

Environment & Physical Requirements

You’ll stand for extended periods and handle heavy materials in both warm and cool areas. Regular activities include talking or hearing; frequent standing, walking, handling, and reaching; and occasional sitting, climbing/balancing, and stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling. Expect frequent lifting and/or moving of 50+ pounds. Vision needs include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Schedule & Status

Full-time role, Monday–Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (40+ hours/week), with occasional Fridays as production demands. No travel is expected.

Classification:

Non-Exempt

Education & Development

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• On-the-job RAM press training provided.

Extra Strengths We Value

• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Material Handler Experience
• Excellent Communication Skills

Accessibility

***Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

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Equal Employment Opportunity

EEO Statement:

AMACO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: AMACO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AMACO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location where we operate. AMACO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Final Note

As we evolve, responsibilities may shift with or without notice to meet production needs—bringing new opportunities to grow your skills.