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Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scientist III

Dayton, OH ยท On-site +1

... 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 ...

Manufacturing Engineer - Coating

Fairport, NY ยท On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Overview The Coating Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on process engineering support for ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Overview The Coating Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on process engineering support for ...

Manufacturing Engineer - Coating

Fairport, NY ยท On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Overview The Coating Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on process engineering support for ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Overview The Coating Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on process engineering support for ...

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$159K - $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 ...

Be Seen First

Working under senior optical engineers, this person runs day-to-day recording, optical-table ... Cleanroom, thin-film, coating, or fabrication-process experience * MATLAB or Python for data ...

Be Seen First

Working under senior optical engineers, this person runs day-to-day recording, optical-table ... Cleanroom, thin-film, coating, or fabrication-process experience * MATLAB or Python for data ...

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

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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 29, 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 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 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 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.

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Locum Tenens, and 67% Full Time. 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.
Scientist III

Scientist III

Azimuth

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Azimuth Corporation is seeking a talented Scientist III to support R&D activities at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. This research position resides within the Optical Coatings group of the Photonic Materials Branch (RXEP). At the broadest level, optical coatings research within AFRL/RXEP plans, directs, and carries out in-house and extramural R&D of materials-based technologies with an emphasis in functional optical coating applications.

Responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Collaboration with research scientists and engineers to design, develop, and maintain software solutions for deposition equipment control, optical coating characterization, data management, and online database integration.
  • Your work will directly impact cutting-edge research in optical coatings and their applications for the Department of Defense.
  • Exceptional teamwork and communication skills are required for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • Entry level or 0-2 years of software development experience, preferably in a research or scientific environment.
  • Proficiency in high-level programming language such as, but no limited to, Python, C++, Java, MATLAB, or R. Experience with multiple languages is preferred.
  • Experience with API development and integration.
  • Familiarity with database design and management (e.g., SQL or NoSQL) and ability to create, query, and optimize databases to support research data and analysis.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Experience with data visualization and analysis tools.
  • Interest in scientific research and development.
  • Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to adapt to changing research priorities.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

Physical Requirements / Travel

  • Must be able to work in a laboratory environment and lift or carry up to 25 lbs.
  • Must be able to work in an office environment at a desk using a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
  • May travel up to 5% of the year in support of research conferences, program reviews, industry meetings, or other collaborative events. Most or all requisite travel will be in the CONUS (Continental United States).
  • Hybrid on-site and local remote telework scheduling options available

Company Overview
Azimuth is an award-winning Woman Owned Small Business specializing in providing research and development and professional services support to the federal government. Azimuth's agility, customer driven approach and our commitment to our employees allows us to meet and exceed our client goals. Excellence, Integrity, Accountability, Community and Humility are the core values of Azimuth as we continue to strive as a recognized leader in the management consulting community that both federal agencies and industry partners value doing business with. We are an organization that offers both our employees and clients an exceptional experience; our culture will be contagious, while always maintaining a genuine reputation.

Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Azimuth Corporation does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.