Ceramic Production Specialist

Ceramic Production Specialist

NPage Studio / Lostine — Philadelphia, PA
Full-time | $24–$28/hour, based on experience

NPage Studio is seeking a thoughtful, skilled and highly dependable person to join our Philadelphia ceramic production studio.

This is a hands-on production position for someone who takes real satisfaction in making things well. We are looking for a person who is serious about their work, attentive to detail, self-directed and comfortable with the repetition and precision required to produce beautiful objects consistently.

Previous ceramics experience is required. You do not need an MFA or formal art-school training, and you do not need to be pursuing a career as a ceramic artist. We are looking for someone who understands clay and ceramic processes and, equally importantly, brings craftsmanship, judgment, reliability and a strong work ethic to the studio.

The right person may have worked in a production pottery, ceramic studio, community studio, fabrication shop or their own sustained ceramic practice. Experience with slip casting and plaster molds is especially valuable, although we can teach our particular production methods and standards.

The Work

Our ceramic studio produces lighting and objects in small production runs using slip casting, handbuilding and other ceramic processes. Because our work is handmade, variation is part of its character—but quality and consistency matter enormously.

This position will be involved in the full production process, including:

Slip casting and working with plaster molds

Preparing, cleaning and finishing greenware

Handbuilding and other clay-forming processes

Glaze preparation and application

Loading and unloading kilns

Following firing schedules and established studio procedures

Inspecting work throughout production and identifying problems early

Maintaining molds, tools and ceramic equipment

Clay and material reclaim

Keeping production areas clean, orderly and functional

Tracking materials and communicating supply needs

Following production schedules and priorities

Recording processes and maintaining production standards

Helping troubleshoot problems and improve studio processes over time

As experience grows, there is an opportunity to take greater ownership of production, quality control and studio processes.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines ceramic knowledge with a strong approach to work.

You are someone who:

Takes pride in doing excellent work, even when no one is watching

Is careful, observant and notices when something isn't right

Can work independently without needing constant direction

Is dependable and arrives ready to work

Understands that repetition and consistency are part of craftsmanship

Respects materials, equipment, coworkers and the work of the studio

Can maintain focus while performing detailed physical work

Is comfortable receiving feedback and adjusting a process

Asks questions when something is unclear rather than guessing

Communicates problems early

Is organized and leaves a workspace better than they found it

Wants to become genuinely good at what they do

We value maturity, curiosity, humility, accountability and good judgment.

Experience

Hands-on ceramics experience is required.

Candidates should have a working understanding of the ceramic process and the behavior of clay through forming, drying, glazing and firing.

Experience in one or more of the following is strongly preferred:

Ceramic production

Slip casting

Plaster molds

Glaze preparation and application

Kiln loading and firing

Handbuilding

Ceramic finishing and quality control

Formal art-school training is not required.

We are less interested in credentials than in demonstrated ceramic experience and your ability to work carefully, consistently and independently.

Physical Requirements

This is an active studio position. Candidates must be comfortable standing for extended periods, working with their hands throughout the day, moving materials and equipment, and safely lifting approximately 50 pounds.

About NPage Studio

NPage Studio is a Philadelphia-based ceramics, lighting and art studio founded by designer and artist Natalie Page. Our work is rooted in material, process and the belief that useful objects can also carry the presence of the person who made them.

The studio works closely with Lostine and RTO Lighting, producing handmade ceramic components and objects in our Philadelphia workshop.

We are a small team, and how we work together matters. We value respect, responsibility, curiosity, generosity and a genuine commitment to making good work.

Compensation

$24–$28/hour, depending on experience
Full-time position

Compensation within the range will reflect relevant production experience, technical ceramic knowledge and the candidate's ability to work independently.