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Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Syntec Optics

Coating Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Provide engineering support for PVD optical coating production, spanning development, production support, and process sustainment. • Work closely with ...

Attalon

Optical Coating Tech I

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$18.34 - $31.36/hr

Optical Coating Technician I Job Details The Optical Coating Technician I plays a key role in ... Working in a cleanroom environment, you'll collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ...

Attalon, Inc.

Optical Coating Tech I

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$18.34 - $31.36/hr

Optical Coating Technician I Job Details The Optical Coating Technician I plays a key role in ... Working in a cleanroom environment, you'll collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ...

Attalon

Optical Coating Tech II - 2nd Shift

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$17.89 - $29.29/hr

Optical Coating Technician II - 2nd Shift Job Details The Optical Coating Technician II plays a key ... Working in a cleanroom environment, you'll collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ...

BASF Catalysts LLC

Coating Shift Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$75K/yr

We are looking for entry level engineers of all disciplines to support our 24/7 Light Duty Coating operations. The Light Duty plant produces emissions catalysts for gasoline combustion engines and ...

BASF Catalysts

Coating Shift Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$75K/yr

We are looking for entry level engineers of all disciplines to support our 24/7 Light Duty Coating operations. The Light Duty plant produces emissions catalysts for gasoline combustion engines and ...

BASF Catalysts

Coating Shift Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$75K/yr

We are looking for entry level engineers of all disciplines to support our 24/7 Light Duty Coating operations. The Light Duty plant produces emissions catalysts for gasoline combustion engines and ...

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Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer information

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$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

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

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level optical 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, materials science, or engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with thin-film deposition techniques, vacuum systems, and optical simulation software like TFCalc or FilmStar is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for ensuring high-quality results and effective collaboration. These skills and qualifications are vital for producing precision optical coatings that meet strict performance standards in industries such as photonics and electronics.

What are some typical projects an Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer might work on, and how do they collaborate with other team members?

As an Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer, you'll typically assist in designing and applying thin-film coatings to optical components, such as lenses or mirrors, to achieve specific light transmission or reflection properties. You'll work closely with senior engineers, production technicians, and quality control teams to ensure coatings meet technical specifications and quality standards. Collaboration often involves troubleshooting coating processes, participating in team meetings, and communicating findings or suggestions for process improvements. This hands-on experience not only builds your technical skills but also helps you understand the entire optical manufacturing workflow.

What does an Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer do?

An Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and application of thin film coatings on optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and filters. These coatings enhance the performance of optical systems by controlling reflection, transmission, and absorption of light. Entry level engineers typically work under supervision, operate coating equipment, conduct quality inspections, and help troubleshoot coating processes. They also collaborate with senior engineers and production teams to ensure products meet specified optical and durability requirements.

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

AspectEntry Level Optical Coating EngineerOptical Coating Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineeringHigh school diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing floors, coating chambers, quality control areas
Employer & Industry UsageOptical, aerospace, defense, research institutionsOptical manufacturing companies, coating service providers

Entry Level Optical Coating Engineers focus on designing and developing coating processes, requiring a degree and analytical skills. Optical Coating Technicians handle the application and quality control of coatings, often with specialized training. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Locum Tenens, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Optical Coating Engineer

Optical Coating Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Summary
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced person to operate optical coating equipment for fabrication of thin film semiconductors. Responsibilities include operation, maintenance, modifications, designs and repairs to the coating equipment.
Job Duties
  • Responsible for optical coatings based on ion beam assisted sputtering and e-beam evaporation
  • Monitor coating deposition and take necessary actions during the run
  • Check daily coating results and fine tune the equipment setting for next run by optimizing process parameters - e.g., Gas flow, substrate temperature, rate of deposition to achieve desirable properties of films.
  • Maintain production coating runs for high quality AR and HR coatings on facets
  • Solve issues - e.g., Leak in chamber, dry pump, cryo pump maintenance, dealing with vendors to buy parts.
  • Optical measurements on ellipsometry for various coating characteristics.
  • Lead maintenance, modifications, repair of coating machines
  • Equipment modification to improve throughput or stability
  • New coating design for new applications
  • Written and oral reports and SOPs.
  • Train and support production line

Job Requirements
  • Education: Master in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or semiconductor related field, specialty in thin film deposition is a plus
  • Experience: Minimum one year experience on e-beam coating and Ion beam sputtering coating.
  • Hands-on optical coating process knowledge
  • Knowledge and hands on skills of high vacuum techniques and equipment
  • Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, planning and problem-solving/troubleshooting skills.
  • Comfortable multi-tasking in a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.
  • Ability lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds

Location
This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WHY AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers
  • Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
  • Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
  • Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
  • Relocation package available within US
  • Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.

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