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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in California

Attalon, Inc.

Lead Coating Engineer

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Optical Coating Engineer to join our team! Lead Coating Engineer Job Details The Optical Coating Engineer leads the technical team and drives the design, development ...

Attalon, Inc.

Optical Coating Tech I

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$18.34 - $31.36/hr

Optical Coating Technician I Job Details The Optical Coating Technician I plays a key role in ... Working in a cleanroom environment, you'll collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$59/hr

You will be working with the Optics Coating team on the "Key Initiative" to drive excellence in ... engineering, production management Compensation and Benefits: Hourly Pay Range : $35 - $59 per hour.

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$35 - $59/hr

You will be working with the Optics Coating team on the "Key Initiative" to drive excellence in ... engineering, production management Compensation and Benefits: Hourly Pay Range : $35 - $59 per hour.

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop, manufacture and test optical surface treatments. In this role, you will report to the Director of ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$35 - $59/hr

You will be working with the Optics Coating team on the "Key Initiative" to drive excellence in ... engineering, production management Compensation and Benefits: Hourly Pay Range : $35 - $59 per hour.

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop, manufacture and test optical surface treatments. In this role, you will report to the Director of ...

Muon Space

Senior Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join our team developing infrared remote ... Drive R&D initiatives to advance internal capabilities in novel coating technologies, filter ...

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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer information

What does a freelance optical coating engineer do?

A Freelance Optical Coating Engineer designs, develops, and applies thin film coatings to optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and filters. These coatings enhance or modify the optical properties of materials, such as reducing reflection, increasing transmission, or filtering specific wavelengths. Working as a freelancer, they may consult for multiple clients, create custom coating solutions, and optimize processes for various industries like photonics, telecommunications, and medical devices. Their work often involves using advanced deposition techniques, simulation software, and quality control methods.

What are some common challenges faced by a freelance optical coating engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance Optical Coating Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple client expectations, ensuring access to specialized coating equipment or labs, and keeping up with rapid technological advancements in the field. Effective communication and clear project scoping can help manage client relationships, while building partnerships with coating facilities or contract labs can address equipment access issues. Staying current through professional development, attending industry conferences, and networking with other engineers can also help freelancers remain competitive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance optical coating engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Optical Coating Engineer, you need a strong background in physics or optical engineering, with expertise in thin-film design, deposition techniques, and materials science. Familiarity with simulation software like TFCalc or FilmStar, and knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and spectrophotometers is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate with clients and deliver tailored technical solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-performance optical coatings that meet precise specifications and industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California?

For Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Optical Coating Engineer job openings:

Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Optical Coating Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Lead Coating Engineer

Attalon, Inc.

San Pablo, CA • On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Attalon / Location Overview

The Attalon Integrated Optical Systems business unit is a precision optics and optical assemblies design and manufacturing group that specializes in ultra-precision optical components and coatings. Applications include semiconductor and flat-panel display manufacturing, ground and space-based telescopes, defense systems and other exotic scientific and government-sponsored programs. We are seeking an experienced Optical Coating Engineer to join our team!

Lead Coating Engineer

Job Details

The Optical Coating Engineer leads the technical team and drives the design, development, and implementation of new thin‑film coating products and manufacturing processes. This role covers all aspects of coating engineering, including coating and tooling design, process development, qualification, documentation, and hands‑on support of coating operations such as substrate preparation, deposition, inspection, and characterization. The engineer also serves as the Process Owner, ensuring robust process controls, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining consistent, high‑quality production output.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and execution of thin‑film deposition processes; ensure designs meet customer requirements and create supporting documentation, test procedures, BOMs, and work instructions.
  • Troubleshoot coating‑operation issues, identify root causes using analytical techniques, and provide clear corrective action updates.
  • Develop methods and operate precision optical test equipment to measure thin‑film coating properties.
  • Assist in designing and procuring tooling for coating processes.
  • Support maintenance teams in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and repair procedures.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to deliver projects on time and with high quality.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering
  • Minimum of 7 years of related experience, preferably in thin film coating engineering and at an aerospace company. 5 years with an advanced degree

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with thin film deposition technologies (thermal and e‑beam evaporation, sputtering, CVD) and related tooling design; strong understanding of process physics and mechanics.
  • Experience with thin film modeling software (TFCalc, Macleod, etc.).
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Access, and basic CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Strong technical communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to read and interpret shop blueprints and customer drawings.
  • Experience with process design, development, and project planning (preferred).

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $100,625.00 - 178,050.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. 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.


Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.