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Freelance Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA

$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.

Materion

Thin Film Engineer

Westford, MA

$77K - $87K/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 ...

Materion Corporation

Thin Film Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site +1

$77K - $87K/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 ...

Kodak

Coating Technician

Rochester, NY

$30 - $33/hr

... optical clarity, haze, etc) 5. Assist engineering staff with quality system improvements in multiple areas (solution mixing, coating, slitting, and calendaring. Skills required: 1. Strong mechanical ...

Kodak

Coating Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

... optical clarity, haze, etc) 5. Assist engineering staff with quality system improvements in multiple areas (solution mixing, coating, slitting, and calendaring. Skills required: 1. Strong mechanical ...

Kodak

Coating Technician

Rochester, NY

$30 - $33/hr

... optical clarity, haze, etc) 5. Assist engineering staff with quality system improvements in multiple areas (solution mixing, coating, slitting, and calendaring. Skills required: 1. Strong mechanical ...

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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 Jun 17, 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
Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings-Fairport,New York

Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings-Fairport,New York

Corning

Spencerport, NY

$139K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74368
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:
  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose
Lead coating development projects for Advanced Optics, with a focus on Precision Optics (semiconductor inspection) and Laser Optics (lithography). This role drives new coating designs, improves existing coatings and processes, supports early-stage customer programs, and contributes to long-term coating technology strategy.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop new coating designs for semiconductor inspection and lithography applications
  • Optimize coating designs and processes to improve performance, reliability, durability, and cost
  • Lead technical development for early-stage Precision Optics programs
  • Support long-term coating and surface technology initiatives with Research
  • Define and execute DOE plans, sample coating, testing, and analysis
  • Guide technicians and engineers across development coating platforms, including PVD, plasma-assisted PVD, IBS, magnetron sputtering, and ALD
  • Improve manufacturing performance through coating design, materials, fixtures, and metrology
  • Provide clear, proactive reporting and cross-functional technical support throughout development and production

Expertise:
  • Strong background in materials science, thin films, coating design, and optical coating processes
  • Experience with optical coatings across IR, visible, and DUV wavelengths; VUV/EUV knowledge is a plus
  • Familiarity with metrology tools such as ellipsometry, AFM, and optical performance testing
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Research teams

Experiences/Education - Required
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Material Science, or Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical), or equivalent, with at least 10 years of experience OR 15+ years of relevant experience will be required for non-Ph.D. applicants.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in complex materials, processes and equipment.
  • Deep expertise in physical vapor deposition methods (PVD) for optical thin films, and associated optical properties, microstructure, stress, distribution on non-flat complex shapes and influence of varying light energy interaction with substrates and films.
  • Strong technical skills in optical thin film design, materials selection, processing, characterization, and optical measurements via Spectroscopic Ellipsometry.
  • Experience in supporting or leading R&D project plans with business focus.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Knowledge of additional coating technologies including Plasma Assisted PVD, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Ion Beam Sputtering, Magnetron Sputtering, and Optical Monitoring Systems.
  • Experience in advanced metrology tools such as AFM, TOF-SIMS, and PCI absorption analysis
  • Optical design knowlege beyond coating (modeling for complex assemblies of mirrors, lenses, prisms or assemblies)
  • Project management competencies
  • Team leadership experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $139,499.00 - $191,812.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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