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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Manufacturing Engineer (Coating Process)

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr (+ commission)

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 ...

Optics Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

$134K - $173K/yr

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Optics Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $173K/yr

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Eng Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Degree(s) in Optical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or Physics. * Experience operating coating chambers. * Experience in designing optical coatings qualified for space flight.

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

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Our engineering excellence, based in Washington State, Washington D.C., Hamburg, Germany and ... Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications * Handson experience designing and ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Our engineering excellence, based in Washington State, Washington D.C., Hamburg, Germany and ... Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications * Hands-on experience designing ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Our engineering excellence, based in Washington State, Washington D.C., Hamburg, Germany and ... Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications * Hands‑on experience designing ...

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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 Sep 1, 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 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.
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Infographic showing various Freelance Optical Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer/ Entry-Level

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
You will be the Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, working in the Optical Components Center (OCC) in Orlando, FL. Our team is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting the production life-cycle of electromagnetic grids and thin film coatings for various optical systems, and we're looking for a talented Manufacturing Engineer to join our team.
This position is for first shift, Tuesday to Friday (4/10B)
What You Will Be Doing
As the Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings. You will design and develop optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows, and define the parameters of equipment for the processes. You will also perform characterization of the deposited coatings and analyze data, and provide technical guidance to operators.
  • Supporting manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings
  • Designing and developing optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows
  • Defining the parameters of equipment for the processes and defining maintenance items for supporting the equipment
  • Performing characterization of the deposited coatings and analyzing data
  • Providing technical guidance to operators and developing and managing work instructions
  • Investigating defective hardware and implementing corrective actions to prevent defects from occurring
  • Driving the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and quality
  • Support manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings.
  • Design and develop the optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows.
  • Define the parameters of equipment for the processes and define the maintenance items for supporting the equipment for product sustainment.
  • Perform characterization of the deposited coatings and analyze data.
  • Provide technical guidance to operators and effectively communicate the processes in work instructions. Develop and manage work instructions.
  • Investigate defective hardware and provide next steps to get the hardware back into production and implement corrective actions that will prevent defect from occurring.
  • Drive the adoption of new technologies (capital investments, automation, robotics) to improve efficiency and quality.

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline from an accredited college.
Must have skills, experience and/or course work in one OR more of the following categories:
• Thin film
• Coatings
• Photolithography
• Optics
Experience or basic training in at least one
programming language for data analysis:
• Python
• Matlab
• Excel VBA
Microsoft Office software experience
Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain a
security clearance.
Desired Skills
Breadth in skills, experience and/or course work across multiple disciplines of manufacturing engineering is strongly desired. Examples include but not limited to: writing/reviewing work instructions (or standard operating procedure manuals), data analytics, automation, mechanical design of equipment or supporting tools, maintaining the product lifecycle, and working in a clean room environment.
Candidates with thin film coating specialization will have skills and/or experience in the design, manufacturing (physical vapor deposition, ion beam sputtering, chemical vapor deposition), and metrology of optical thin film coatings.
Candidates with photolithography specialization will have skills and/or experience with semiconductor fabrication processes (wafer preparation, coating, exposure, development, and etching) and with photolithography equipment (steppers, scanners, and track system).
Knowledge of process control techniques, including statistical process control (SPC), control charts, and yield enhancement.
Having strong time management skills (ability to adjust priorities), ability to work independently, and able to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams are critical skills to support on the floor production.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $70500.00 - $130900.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912