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Film Developing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes to meet requirements ... our Thin Film Coatings group * Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime

In the late 1990's under Neil Cohen's leadership, DPI acquired a photo business in the UK and has transitioned from a mid-Atlantic film developing lab to multiple state-of-the-art digital labs ...

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements and specifications, for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes for our ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing ... Develop & track projects using Microsoft Project or similar project scheduling tool. Demonstrate ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing ... Develop & track projects using Microsoft Project or similar project scheduling tool. Demonstrate ...

Thin Film Manufacturing Engineer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

This role provides a platform to develop advanced technical expertise in thin film processes while contributing to the overall success of the APC Manufacturing Engineering organization. What You Will ...

This role provides a platform to develop advanced technical expertise in thin film processes while contributing to the overall success of the APC Manufacturing Engineering organization. What You Will ...

This role provides a platform to develop advanced technical expertise in thin film processes while contributing to the overall success of the APC Manufacturing Engineering organization. What You Will ...

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Film Developing information

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$48

$57

$65

How much do film developing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for film developing in the United States is $58.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.33 and $61.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is film developing?

Film developing is the process of converting exposed photographic film into visible images. This involves a series of chemical baths that make the latent image on the film visible and permanent. The process can be done for both black-and-white and color film, each requiring different chemicals and steps. Once developed, the negatives can be printed onto photographic paper or scanned for digital use. Many professional labs and hobbyists perform film developing to preserve and share their analog photographs.

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 chemistry, film types, and darkroom procedures, often supported by experience or coursework in photography. Familiarity with film processing equipment, enlargers, scanners, and industry-standard chemicals is crucial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and problem-solving skills help ensure consistent, high-quality results and address any processing issues. These skills and qualities are essential for preserving image integrity, meeting client expectations, and maintaining safety in the darkroom environment.

What are some common challenges faced by film developers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Film developers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent chemical temperatures, preventing contamination, and managing varying film types with specific processing needs. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact image quality. To manage these challenges, film developers use precise timing, regularly calibrate equipment, and follow strict cleanliness protocols. Working collaboratively with lab technicians and photographers also helps ensure high standards and efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Film Developing vs Film Processing?

AspectFilm DevelopingFilm Processing
DefinitionThe chemical process to convert exposed film into a visible imageThe entire process of preparing, developing, fixing, and washing film
CredentialsKnowledge of chemical handling, photography skillsSimilar credentials, including chemical safety and photography understanding
Work EnvironmentDarkroom or specialized labDarkroom, lab, or processing facility
Industry UsagePart of film photography workflowEncompasses the full film development process

Film Developing specifically refers to the chemical process that reveals the image on exposed film. Film Processing includes the entire workflow, from loading film to final washing. While related, developing is a key step within processing. Both roles require chemical handling knowledge and are performed in darkroom or lab settings, making them closely connected but distinct in scope.

More about Film Developing jobs
What cities are hiring for Film Developing jobs? Cities with the most Film Developing job openings:
What states have the most Film Developing jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Developing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Film Developing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Film Developing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Film Developing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $120,633 per year, or $58 per hour.

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to develop, support execute and maintain coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to the Director of Thin Film Engineering.
You Will Make an Impact By:

  • Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements and specifications, for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes for our thin film coatings group
  • Working closely with design engineers and technicians to resolve technical issues, troubleshooting and characterization of coating chambers processes
  • Characterizing the equipment and coating process, and working with the team to reduce downtime
  • Managing defect issues, implementing root cause solutions to those issues, and continuously promote improvement, quality and cost
  • Supporting the team with process documentation, training and formalizing work instruction documents
  • Supporting the coating process and training of technicians and machine maintenance personnel


Skills You Bring:

  • Bachelor Degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering with 3-5 years of in-depth experience in a thin film manufacturing environment
  • Correlating thin film performance with deposition chamber hardware and processes
  • Experience troubleshooting and problem solving thin film processes
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint


Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time and climb stairs
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
  • Occasionally moves/positions up to 10 pounds
  • This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environment

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $100,000 to $140,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.

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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role