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Full Time Thin Films Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist, Thin Films

Menlo Park, CA ยท On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

About the Role Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of ... Strong skills in structural and chemical characterization, particularly of thin films and materials ...

Thin Films Scientist, Xray Windows

Orem, UT ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Innovate in the area of thin coatings and self-standing thin films with a focus on leak and light ... Innovate and collaborate with production and process engineering on new product designs * Design ...

Thin Films Scientist, Xray Windows

Orem, UT ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

... of thin films (membranes) and supporting structures. Develop robust new window materials to meet ... Engineering Processes: Working knowledge of responsibilities and tasks performed by various ...

Showing results 21-40

Full Time Thin Films Engineer information

What is a full time thin films engineer?

Full Time Thin Films Engineers are professionals who specialize in the development, fabrication, and analysis of thin film materials and coatings, often used in electronics, optics, and materials science. They work full-time in industrial or research settings, designing processes to deposit and characterize thin films, optimizing their properties for specific applications such as semiconductors, solar panels, or advanced sensors. Their role often involves operating and maintaining deposition equipment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet product performance goals. Strong backgrounds in materials science, physics, or engineering are typically required, along with experience in techniques like sputtering, evaporation, or chemical vapor deposition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time thin films engineer?

To succeed as a Full Time Thin Films Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, physics, or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and hands-on laboratory experience. Familiarity with deposition techniques (such as sputtering and chemical vapor deposition), analytical instruments (like ellipsometry and SEM), and data analysis software is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies enable precise fabrication, troubleshooting, and innovation in producing high-quality thin film materials for advanced technological applications.

What are some common challenges a thin films engineer encounters when scaling up processes from lab to production?

Thin Films Engineers often face challenges when transferring deposition processes from a laboratory to full-scale manufacturing. Variability in equipment, substrate size, and environmental conditions can impact film uniformity and quality. Engineers must troubleshoot issues such as particulate contamination, adhesion failures, and reproducibility, often collaborating closely with process technicians and quality assurance teams. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Thin Films Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Thin Films Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Thin Films Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Thin Films Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Thin Films Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Research Scientist, Thin Films

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA โ€ข On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale.
As a Research Scientist in Thin Film Materials Discovery, you will lead thin-film synthesis efforts using advanced PVD platforms, building the experimental foundation for autonomous discovery loops. You will collaborate with computational and AI scientists, and partner with engineers designing next-generation automated laboratory infrastructure.
What You'll Do
  • Develop synthesis strategies to realize novel thin-film materials predicted by AI
  • Determine and control crystal structures, defects, microstructures, and properties of previously unrealized compounds
  • Partner with AI and computation teams to build predictive models of materials growth and properties grounded in physics and chemistry
  • Work with engineers to design, test, and deploy automated growth and characterization hardware

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • PhD in chemistry, physics, or materials science, with 5+ years of hands-on experience
  • Deep expertise with thin-film synthesis methods such as sputtering, PLD, and MBE, with demonstrated experience and creativity across diverse chemistries
  • Strong skills in structural and chemical characterization, particularly of thin films and materials with structures or compositions never before realized experimentally - including diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy
  • Experience probing the optical, electronic, magnetic, thermal, and/or other properties of thin films
  • Proven record of collaboration with computational groups, especially for high-throughput materials discovery
  • Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and stewardship, with hands-on experience in hazardous chemistries
  • Strong track record of highly impactful research demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field

Especially Strong Candidates May Also Have
  • Experience working in national user facilities such as synchrotrons or neutron sources
  • Development of novel synthesis or characterization techniques
  • Comfort with large experimental datasets and analysis pipelines
  • Experience with automation and scripting in laboratory environments

Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and training or experience
Location: Our lab is located in Menlo Park and we prefer folks to be located in Menlo Park or San Francisco but can be flexible based on role
Compensation: The annual base compensation range for this role is $225,000-325,000, commensurate with experience
Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas and will do everything we can to assist in this process with our legal support.
We're building a team of the world's best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.