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Entry Level Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

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 ...

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA ยท 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.

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA ยท 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.

R&D Summer Intern

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Mechanical Engineering Summer Intern VIAVI Solutions is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Summer Intern to support engineering activities related to vacuum chamber optical coating systems and handheld ...

Coating Technician

Santa Rosa, CA

$18 - $23.75/hr

Monitors deposition data, relaying abnormalities to Manager, Engineering, or Maintenance. Works as ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coating Technician

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Monitors deposition data, relaying abnormalities to Manager, Engineering, or Maintenance. Works as ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coating Technician

Santa Rosa, CA

$18 - $23.75/hr

Monitors deposition data, relaying abnormalities to Manager, Engineering, or Maintenance. Works as ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coating Technician

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Monitors deposition data, relaying abnormalities to Manager, Engineering, or Maintenance. Works as ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coating Technician

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Monitors deposition data, relaying abnormalities to Manager, Engineering, or Maintenance. Works as ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coating Technician

Santa Rosa, CA

$18 - $23.75/hr

Monitors deposition data, relaying abnormalities to Manager, Engineering, or Maintenance. Works as ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

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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 28, 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.