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Film Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FILM PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Monday through Friday, 2:30pm to 6:00pm Job Overview Artportunity Knocks is seeking a creative and passionate Film Instructor to lead engaging film and digital media programming for students in ...

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 ...

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Film Developer information

See salary details

$40K

$129.3K

$158.5K

How much do film developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for film developer in the United States is $129,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a film developer do?

A film developer is responsible for processing photographic film to produce negatives or prints. This involves using chemical solutions in a darkroom to develop, stop, and fix the images captured on the film. Film developers must carefully control timing, temperature, and agitation to ensure high-quality results. They may also work with both black and white and color film, and sometimes perform additional tasks like retouching or scanning developed images for digital use.

What are some common challenges film developers face when working with different types of photographic film?

Film developers often encounter challenges such as managing varying chemical processing requirements for different film stocks, ensuring consistent temperature control, and handling delicate negatives to prevent damage. Each type of film—black and white, color negative, or slide film—has unique development processes, which require careful attention to timing and chemistry. Staying organized and detail-oriented is essential, as small mistakes can impact image quality. Collaboration with photographers and lab technicians is also frequent, ensuring that the final results meet creative expectations.

What is the difference between Film Developer vs Photographic Processor?

AspectFilm DeveloperPhotographic Processor
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of chemical processing and film typesRequires understanding of various chemicals and processing steps
Work EnvironmentDarkroom or specialized processing labsProcessing labs, photo labs, or darkrooms
Industry UsageUsed mainly in film photography and darkroom developmentUsed in commercial labs, photo studios, and film processing facilities

While both Film Developer and Photographic Processor involve chemical processing of photographic materials, the Film Developer specifically refers to the chemical solution that develops the exposed film, whereas the Photographic Processor encompasses the entire process of developing, fixing, and washing photographic prints or films. The roles often overlap, but Film Developer is more focused on the chemical solution preparation and application, while Photographic Processor handles the full processing workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Film Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Developer, you need a solid understanding of photographic processes, chemical handling, and film types, typically supported by experience or formal training in photography or imaging sciences. Familiarity with darkroom equipment, film scanners, and photo editing software is essential for processing and digitizing film. Attention to detail, patience, and effective time management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality film development, accurate image reproduction, and efficient workflow in both professional labs and creative studios.
More about Film Developer jobs
What states have the most Film Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Developer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Film Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,348 per year, or $62.2 per hour.
Dry Film Lamination Engineer

Dry Film Lamination Engineer

3D Glass Solutions

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job/Position Summary

The Dry Film Lamination Engineer is hands-on, focusing on developing, optimizing, and supporting dry film lamination and patterning processes using Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF) and Dry Film Resist (DFR). This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working close to the process, running experiments, troubleshooting defects, and collaborating across multiple integration modules.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize ABF and DFR lamination processes for advanced packaging applications.
  • Run experiments to improve lamination quality, adhesion, and yield.
  • Support DFR exposure and development processes and chemistry control.
  • Troubleshoot adhesion loss, voiding, wrinkling, delamination, warpage, and defectivity.
  • Develop and maintain ABF/DFR adhesion to glass and copper surfaces.
  • Support ABF laser structuring and via formation processes.
  • Set up, qualify, and maintain ABF/DFR lamination and exposure equipment.
  • Work closely with integration, laser, plating, and reliability teams.
  • Collect and analyze process data; apply DOE and root cause analysis to drive improvements.
  • Support scale-up from R&D to pilot and early manufacturing environments.
  • Perform additional functions and other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required.
  • 2-5 years of experience in copper plating or advanced packaging process engineering.
  • Willing to relocate to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for 1-2 years and willing to relocate to India for 2 years or permanently.
  • This position will require lawful access to ITAR/EAR controlled information, and employees in these roles will need to meet those requirements.Requirements include US Citizenship, US Permanent Resident, or the ability to meet contract-specific licensure requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Hands-on experience with Dry Film Resist (DFR) lamination and processing.
  • Comfortable working in a startup or development-focused environment.
  • Experience with Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF) or similar build-up dielectric films.
  • Understanding of ABF/DFR adhesion mechanisms on copper and/or glass.
  • Experience working with glass substrates and/or organic laminates.
  • Familiarity with lamination equipment (vacuum laminators, hot roll laminators, press systems).
  • Knowledge of DFR development processes and chemistries.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams.
  • Strong hands-on experimental skills and data-driven problem-solving approach.
  • Understanding of surface preparation and cleaning for lamination processes.
  • Experience with laser drilling or laser via formation in ABF is desired.
  • Experience scaling lamination processes from R&D to pilot or production is desired.
  • Knowledge of SPC, FMEA, and yield improvement methodologies is desired.
  • Familiarity with copper plating and integration with RDL processes is desired.


Physical/Working Requirements

  • Must be able to wear personal protective gear most of the day (where applicable)
  • Prolonged periods of sitting or standing

Behavioral Traits

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey quality standards, expectations, and feedback clearly to team members and stakeholders.
  • A willingness to adjust to changing circumstances, processes, or technologies for continuous improvement in dynamic environments.
  • The ability to work well with others, fostering a cooperative atmosphere, driving data management initiatives, and engaging all levels of the organization.

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About 3D Glass Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Albuquerque, NM, US

Year founded

2006