Job Description

Experienced Cosmetic Ceramist / Ceramic Technician

Location: New Zealand

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Salary: Approximately NZD $75,000–$80,000, depending on experience

Relocation/Visa Support: Available for the right international candidate

About the Opportunity

A full-service dental laboratory in New Zealand is seeking an experienced Cosmetic Ceramist / Ceramic Technician to join its growing technical team. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled ceramist who is quality focused, detail oriented, and interested in working in a collaborative laboratory environment with a strong emphasis on high-quality restorative work.

The lab provides a broad range of services, including crown and bridge, implant restorations, full-arch / All-on-X cases, mouth guards, splints, and is beginning to expand into surgical guide work. The current team includes four technicians and one practice manager, with digital design, milling, 3D printing, and model work already supported internally.

The main focus of this role will be ceramic finishing, layering, staining, glazing, and high-quality aesthetic work. This is not simply a production stain-and-glaze position; the lab is looking for someone with strong ceramic layering ability, artistic judgment, and the ability to meet the expectations of prosthodontists and quality-driven clinicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform high-quality ceramic finishing, layering, staining, and glazing.
• Handle a range of fixed and implant-supported restorations.
• Work on single crowns, bridges, veneers, ceramic facing, single implants, implant bridges, and All-on-X / full-arch restorations.
• Complete e.max press cases when required.
• Work with a variety of materials, including zirconia, e.max, PFM, and ideally gold restorations.
• Collaborate closely with the lab manager, technicians, and practice manager.
• Follow established lab processes and quality standards.
• Communicate clearly with the internal team and, when needed, with clinicians or customers.
• Maintain a strong focus on fit, function, aesthetics, and case consistency.
• Support a positive, team-oriented laboratory culture.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• 8+ years of experience as a ceramic technician / cosmetic ceramist.
• Strong experience with ceramic layering, not only stain and glaze.
• Experience with high-end aesthetic cases and prosthodontic-level expectations.
• Experience with a broad range of prosthetics, including:
• Single crowns
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Ceramic facing
• Single implants
• Implant bridges
• All-on-X / full-arch restorations
• Experience with a range of implant systems.
• Ability to work with zirconia, e.max, PFM, and ideally gold.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow existing lab protocols.
• A collaborative personality and willingness to take direction.
• Good communication skills and a professional attitude.

English Requirement

Strong English communication is required. The ideal candidate should have C1-level English. A candidate with B2-level English may be considered only if their technical skills are exceptional and they are willing to continue improving their English.

Because the role requires collaboration with the lab team and potentially communication with clinicians or customers, the ability to understand instructions clearly and communicate professionally is very important.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position
• Monday to Friday
• Approximately 40 hours per week
• Standard 8-hour workdays

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary approximately NZD $75,000–$80,000, depending on experience
• Relocation support available
• Visa cost support available for the right international candidate
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Sick leave
• Strong work-life balance
• Opportunity to live and work in New Zealand, known for its safety, natural beauty, beaches, mountains, and outdoor lifestyle

International Candidates

International candidates are welcome to apply. The employer is prepared to support the immigration process for the right candidate, including visa-related costs and relocation assistance. The expected immigration timeline discussed is approximately 2–3 months, depending on the candidate’s situation.

Why This Role

This is a strong opportunity for a skilled ceramist who wants to join a smaller, quality-focused lab rather than a large production environment. The owner is looking for someone who can bring strong technical ability, artistic ceramic skills, good communication, and a team-first attitude.

The ideal candidate will be someone who takes pride in high-quality work, respects established processes, and wants to build a long-term career in a stable and beautiful location.