1

Freelance Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to the Director of Thin Film ... Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements ...

... optics, coating and manufacturing services. You will be responsible for bringing a new segment of ... Collaborates with engineering, operations, supply chain and sales to enhance existing product(s) or ...

Product Marketing Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

... optics, coating and manufacturing services. You will be responsible for bringing a new segment of ... Collaborates with engineering, operations, supply chain and sales to enhance existing product(s) or ...

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Sr Electronics Engineer

Irvine, CA

$114K - $141K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA

$114K - $149K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA

$114K - $149K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Sr Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Sr Electronics Engineer

Irvine, CA

$114K - $141K/yr

Experience with tether communication systems (fiber optic, twisted pair, or coax) for ROV ... Experience with waterproofing, conformal coating, and potting techniques for marine-grade ...

Quality Inspector II

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$22.01 - $37.63/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

Director of Quality

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$152K - $262K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Optical Coating Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$78.8K

$104.7K

$127.8K

How much do freelance optical coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance optical coating engineer in Riverside, CA is $104,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $114,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Freelance Optical Coating Engineers, 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

Optical Coating Tech I

Attalon, Inc.

Murrieta, CA • On-site

$18.34 - $31.36/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon’s Murrieta facility is a hub for advanced optical manufacturing supporting aerospace and defense applications. Our team works on cutting-edge technologies that enable mission-critical systems. Join us and be part of a company that values precision, innovation, and collaboration.

Optical Coating Technician I

Job Details

The Optical Coating Technician I plays a key role in producing high-performance optical components by applying thin-film coatings to precision substrates. This position ensures quality and reliability in every step of the coating process, from preparation to inspection. Working in a cleanroom environment, you’ll collaborate with engineering and operations teams to deliver components that meet stringent aerospace and defense standards. This is a 1st shift position offering the opportunity to work on advanced technologies in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow written and electronic work instructions, job aids, and standard operating procedures.
• Handle and clean delicate optical surfaces using chemical and mechanical processes.
• Inspect optics for cleanliness and contamination removal prior to coating.
• Prepare and operate vacuum coating chambers, including cleaning, foiling, sandblasting, and installing system components.
• Load optics into tooling or fixtures for coating and monitor deposition parameters during production.
• Unload coated optics and inspect for quality and physical integrity.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and quality teams to meet daily production goals.
• Report issues promptly and maintain adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Complete required training on time and with proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1+ years of experience in optics, coating, cleanroom, or thin-film deposition.
• Ability to handle fragile components with precision and care.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical documentation.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with vacuum coating systems and cleanroom protocols.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and production schedules.

For California, the hourly base pay range for this role is $18.34 - $31.36.
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.