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Entry Level Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build ... Coating and calendaring * Stacking/winding * Electrolyte injection, sealing, formation, and ...

Manufacturing Engineer I

Carson City, NV · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to apply engineering principles to solve ... coating. * Lean manufacturing principles, (5S, Kaizen, VSM, Kanban, JIT, Heijunka, Poka-Yoke, TPM ...

Manufacturing Engineer I

Carson City, NV

$71K - $92K/yr

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to apply engineering principles to solve ... coating. * Lean manufacturing principles, (5S, Kaizen, VSM, Kanban, JIT, Heijunka, Poka-Yoke, TPM ...

Shipping Clerk

Spring, TX

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

We also offer in-house plating and coating services for corrosion prevention; including zinc ... Engineering and Construction Industries. OUR BENEFITS Our Benefits include: Medical Insurance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Coating Engineer information

See salary details

$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

How much do entry level coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level coating engineer in the United States is $100,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Coating Engineer vs Coating Technician?

AspectEntry Level Coating EngineerCoating Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development labs; manufacturing facilitiesApplication, surface preparation, and coating application on-site
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, R&D departments, industrial plantsPainting companies, industrial coating services, maintenance teams
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Coating Engineer vs Coating Technician

The main difference between an Entry Level Coating Engineer and a Coating Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Engineers focus on designing and testing coating processes, requiring a degree and analytical skills, while Technicians handle application and surface preparation, often with technical training. Both roles are essential in the coating industry but serve different functions within manufacturing and maintenance environments.

More about Entry Level Coating Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Coating Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Coating Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Operator Inspector - B or C Shift

Operator Inspector - B or C Shift

Rochester Precision Optics LLC

West Henrietta, NY

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Title

 Operator Inspector 

Department

 Coating

Reports to

 Coating Manager

SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO!

RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in Rochester, RPO offers exciting career paths and work on market-leading programs. See below one of many career opportunities to join the RPO team!

Position Overview:

The Coating Operator/Inspector is responsible for inspecting and verifying optical coatings on precision components to ensure compliance with performance, durability, and visual standards. This role supports production by identifying defects, confirming coating quality, and ensuring products meet customer and internal requirements before release. Work involves handling sensitive optical components, performing visual and measurement-based inspections, and following established processes. The position is designed as an entry-level role with structured, on-the-job training in optical handling, cleaning, inspection methods, and coating processes. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow defined procedures, and consistent focus during visual inspection tasks.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Inspect coated optical components for defects such as scratches, pinholes, coating irregularities, and contamination using microscopes and visual inspection methods.
  • Perform basic measurements and verification of coating characteristics (e.g., thickness, reflectance, transmittance) using standard equipment.
  • Compare inspection results against established specifications and identify nonconforming conditions.
  • Accurately document inspection results and maintain quality records in accordance with internal procedures.
  • Handle and clean optical components in accordance with established processes to prevent contamination or damage.
  • Communicate inspection findings and escalate quality concerns to management or engineering as needed.
  •  

    Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or technical training in a related field is beneficial.
  • 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with exposure to inspection, quality checks, or other detail-oriented processes.
  • Ability to follow detailed work instructions and accurately document results.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive inspection tasks with consistency.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding quality issues.
  • Experience in optical inspection, thin film coating or working with precision components is beneficial.
  •  

    Core Competencies:

  • Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up.
  • Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge.
  • Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail.
  • Analytical: Possess a “If there’s a problem, I’ll find a solution” attitude.
  • Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members.
  • Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive ‘get things done’ attitude.

  • Additional Requirements: 

    Pursuant to ITAR, EAR, and other export compliance laws and regulations, applicants for this position must be U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. law, i.e., U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty.

     


    Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance.
  • 401(k) with company match and Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.
  • Health, dental, vision, HSA, & life insurance.
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and 11 paid company holidays 
  •  

     

    Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Work is performed in a controlled manufacturing environment requiring adherence to contamination control practices, including the use of protective garments such as frocks and hair coverings.
  • Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and cleanroom garments.
  • Position involves a combination of standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods, along with occasional stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
  • Frequent use of hands for handling and inspecting small components requiring fine motor coordination and dexterity.
  • Sustained visual focus is required, including close-up and magnified work, with the ability to identify fine details and adjust as needed.
  • Regular use of computers and standard assembly or inspection tools
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
  • Work may shift between stations and may require schedule flexibility, including overtime or weekend work based on production needs.

  • Disclaimer:

    This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

     

     

    Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people.

    EOE/AA/Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran

    In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.



    This role offers scheduling options on B Shift (Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM–10:30 PM) and C Shift (Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 PM–6:30 AM).
    Before moving to either off‑shift, new hires will complete 2–4 weeks of onboarding and training on A Shift to ensure full readiness.

    Compensation details: 22-24 Hourly Wage


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