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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Manufacturing Coating Engineer

Wilmington, NC

$95K - $130K/yr

And so much more.​   ​Come break through with us.  Our Optical Communications segment has ... You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber ...

Corning

Manufacturing Coating Engineer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber ...

Corning

Manufacturing Coating Engineer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber ...

E Ink

Senior Coating Process Engineer

Billerica, MA · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

Conduct film characterizations to verify experimental formulations as they relate to electro-optical metrics and coating-related defects * Collaborate with and guide engineers and technicians ...

E Ink

Senior Coating Process Engineer

Billerica, MA · Hybrid

$110K - $142K/yr

Conduct film characterizations to verify experimental formulations as they relate to electro-optical metrics and coating-related defects * Collaborate with and guide engineers and technicians ...

Infinia Search Inc

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineer (Coating Process)

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The coating process engineer will be a key resource in advancing new products, new capabilities ... This work will encompass the Semrock filter business as well as optical coatings for the optical ...

IDEX Corporation

Coating Technician B-Shift

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Coating Technician REPORTING TO: Manufacturing Leader LOCATION: West Henrietta, NY HOURS : B-Shift ... optics, coatings, ceramics, and engineered components. Serving customers in the semiconductor ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

... optical coating performance. • Experience supporting optical product development, optical testing, or optical system design. • Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings ...

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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer information

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$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 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.
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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Optical Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
R&D Roll Coating Engineer - Thin Film Optics

R&D Roll Coating Engineer - Thin Film Optics

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Summary:
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Position Description: R&D Roll Coating Engineer - Thin-Film Optics
Position Summary
The R&D Roll Coating Engineer plays a key role in developing next-generation thin-film optical materials through advanced roll-to-roll coating technologies. This role focuses on early-stage formulation evaluation, process development, and prototyping of precision optical films used in cutting-edge optical systems, displays, sensors, and photonic components. The engineer will work hands-on in the lab and pilot line to develop scalable coating processes, characterize thin-film performance, and translate experimental findings into robust manufacturing pathways.
Key Responsibilities
R&D Process Development
  • Develop, refine, and validate roll-to-roll coating processes for advanced thin-film optical materials.
  • Design and execute structured experiments (DOE) to explore process-material interactions and determine optimal coating conditions for experimental formulations.
  • Conduct feasibility studies to assess new coating chemistries, equipment configurations, and process technologies for future optical product platforms.

Thin-Film Characterization & Analysis
  • Evaluate thin-film thickness, uniformity, refractive index, optical transmission/absorption, and surface morphology using metrology tools such as profilometry, ellipsometry, AFM, microscopy, and spectrophotometry.
  • Analyze defects and film anomalies and identify root causes through materials, mechanical, or process-related investigations.

Coating Technology Expertise
  • Develop new coating strategies for multi-layer optical stacks, nanostructured films, high-precision functional layers, or specialty surface treatments.

Pilot-Line Development & Scale-Up
  • Conduct hands-on trials on pilot roll-to-roll equipment to validate newly developed processes.
  • Translate laboratory findings into scalable processes and establish the groundwork for manufacturing transfer.
  • Identify constraints or risks associated with scale-up and propose design or formulation modifications to improve manufacturability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with equipment engineering, quality engineering, and manufacturing technology teams to advance new product concepts.
  • Communicate experimental results, insights, and recommendations through technical reports, presentations, and data summaries.
  • Contribute to design reviews, technology roadmaps, and development milestones for emerging optical products.

Documentation & Method Development
  • Develop process documentation, experimental protocols, and early-phase control strategies for new coatings and formulations.
  • Maintain accurate experimental records, process parameters, lab notebooks, and data sets to support reproducibility and long-term research continuity.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, or related technical field.
  • 5-10 years of relevant experience in roll-to-roll coating or thin-film development within R&D or advanced materials environments.
  • Experience performing structured experiments (DOE), data analysis, and root-cause investigations.
  • Proficiency with analytical tools such as Minitab, JMP, or Python-based analysis.
  • Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred:
  • Experience developing thin-film optical materials, multilayer optical stacks, interference coatings, polarization films, or related technologies.
  • Familiarity with optical metrology and thin-film characterization techniques.
  • Experience working in cleanroom or contamination-controlled environments.
  • Current DOD clearance

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
101,500
to
188,500
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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