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Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Horseheads, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

New

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY · On-site

$60.82K - $83.63K/yr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

... functional optical coating applications. Responsibilities for this role include, but are not ... Engineering, or a related field. * Entry level or 0-2 years of software development experience ...

... functional optical coating applications. Responsibilities for this role include, but are not ... Engineering, or a related field. * Entry level or 0-2 years of software development experience ...

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159.20K - $206K/yr

Experience in the field of optics, physics, optical components (lens, film, thin film coating etc), image processing, machine learning, or computer science.Experience using programming languages ...

Optical Engineer

Warren, NJ · On-site

$65K - $126K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$126.80K - $220.90K/yr

Experience in the field of optics, physics, optical components (lens, film, thin film coating etc), image processing, machine learning, or computer science. * Experience using programming languages ...

Experience in the field of optics, physics, optical components (lens, film, thin film coating etc), image processing, machine learning, or computer science. Experience using programming languages ...

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Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer information

See salary details

$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:
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.
Thin Film Coating Technician

Thin Film Coating Technician

Corning

Fairport, NY

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 75190

The company built on breakthroughs. 
Join us.           
       

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible. 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations- not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward. 

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. 

Come break through with us. 

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Scope of Position:

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing processes that build on Corning's existing knowledge base to move products into coating production.  This is a hands-on technical role requiring use of thin film deposition equipment and tooling, measurement instrumentation, and skills in optics cleaning and inspection.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Daily support of coating test activities, process set-up, hardware evaluation, coating measurements and characterization, analysis of results.
  • Manage coating recipe and layer programming, create individual coating run documentation files, maintain organized coating file history, oversee coating test sample handling and storage.
  • Understand and use existing / new metrology methods to characterize thin film designs and manufacturing performance.
  • Perform optics Coating Inspection (CI) function as required for new projects including as-received quality inspection, pre-coat cleaning, post-coat inspection and packaging.
  • Assist in transfer knowledge of new coating processes into manufacturing.  Provide training as needed.  Author work instructions, process sheets, and demonstrate measurement methods for new products.
  • Engage with Mechanical Design team to design and fabricate prototype and production optical element tooling, customized coating chamber hardware, and metrology tools.
  • Work to improve cleaning, material handling, and storage procedures within the coating process flow.
  • Utilize Design for Manufacturing principles to determine optimal manufacturing strategies and Manufacturing Engineering Excellence (MEE) practices into thin film product and process work.
  • Contribute to and document activities furthering coating technology via internal reports, invention disclosures, and patent applications.

Required Education and Experience:

  • 2-year technical degree in engineering, optics, or physics related field of study.
  • Minimum 2 - 3 years of optical thin film coating experience (manufacturing and testing), preferably in the UV and visible wavelength ranges.

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Critical thinking to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
  • Knowledge of FilmStar thin film design and measurement software.
  • Thin film characterization - spectrophotometer, ellipsometer, MIL spec testing.
  • Electron beam, thermal evaporation, and ion-assisted deposition.  High-vacuum practice; vacuum chamber operation, system control, and support equipment.
  • Understanding of optical substrate materials; optics handling, cleaning, and inspecting.
  • Contamination control and cleanroom operations.
  • Excellent mechanical ability.  Familiar with mechanical design and fabrication techniques.  Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
  • A genuine manufacturing thought approach, and the associated level of urgency needed to support manufacturing, when required.
  • Able to effectively collaborate at a higher level with a multi-disciplinary team engineers and technicians across Engineering, Development, and Manufacturing functions to execute on new coating ideas and concepts.

Travel Requirements:

  • Less than 10%.  Typical travel includes training, networking opportunities, customer visits, technical conferences, and benchmarking activities as required.

Hours of work:

  • Typical first shift production hours, M - F, 8AM - 5PM.  Extra and off-hours may be required during times of heightened project activity to meet deliverables.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.


The range for this position is $60,821.00 - $83,629.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life. 

Corning offers you the total package. 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


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