ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsOptical Coating Engineer JobsEntry Level Optical Coating Engineer Jobs

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:
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.

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Coherent

Saxonburg, PA

$15 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Operation of thin film coating and test equipment including:
  • Retrieving proper designs according to set schedule and programs into coating system operations controller

  • Operate coating equipment according to set parameter and establishing procedures

  • Determine evaporation layer end points to high level of accuracy

  • By observation and deduction, extract the maximum amount of data from each coating run and document accordingly

  • Monitor two high volume coating chambers at one time, while supporting peers in their operations

  • Communicate daily activities during quality meetings

  • Operate characterization/test equipment and interpret results

  • Maintain schedule demands and requirements

Coating Chamber Setup
  • Evaluate design requirements and prepare evaporation materials accordingly

  • Evaluate evaporation components to assure proper operation requirements

  • Change out all worn/dirty components and replace with cleaned or new ones

  • Observe and extract the maximum amount of data from each calibration/production run. Evaluate data from calibration/production runs

  • Use calibration equipment to assure proper setup and quality control

  • Double check design and run requirements before loading run

  • Document log information required for design operations

  • Accept responsibility for the quality of the thin film coating process and equipment assigned

Related Job Tasks
  • Supporting cleaning area in loading of optical components

  • Prepare evaporation material according to procedure

  • Maintain inventory controls

  • Perform minor maintenance with minimal support

  • Take traces between coating runs to verify performance

  • Learn nonstandard system operations at a basic level

  • Audit personal and peer procedures for process consistency

  • Support senior operators in the training of new employees

  • Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information

  • Attend and participate in daily quality meetings

Education & Experience
  • High school graduate or equivalent

  • Manufacturing experience preferred

Skills
  • Able to work in a demanding, fast-paced production environment

  • Able to multi-task and prioritize

  • Forward thinker

  • Strong attention to detail and quality

  • Team-oriented; works well with others in the group

  • Excellent interpersonal skills

  • Good communication, both verbal and nonverbal

  • Must be able to effectively listen and assimilate, present organized trains of thought, assure a timely information exchange with others as required

Working Conditions
  • Must be able to work with acids, radioactive materials and other toxic chemicals

  • Make-up and perfumes discouraged while working in clean room to prevent contamination

Physical Requirements
  • Long periods of standing and/or walking (3-4 hours at a time) 

  • Must be able to wear a full-face respirator. Must be clean shaven 

  • Must be able to lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs.

  • Bending and stooping required

  • May need to utilize step stool or elevated working platform to adjust within coating chamber and to disassemble/reassemble

Safety Requirements
  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

  • This position is subject to a pre-employment physical evaluation associated with wearing a respirator.   

  • This position must under-go annual physical evaluations associated with respirator use.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

Apply