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Junior Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Every product is part of a robust developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space ... Role Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Junior Optical Technician to ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

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Junior Optical Coating Engineer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical coating engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Optical Coating Engineer vs Optical Coating Technician?

AspectJunior Optical Coating EngineerOptical Coating Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineeringTechnical diploma or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical coatings in labs and R&D settingsOperating coating equipment, quality control, and maintenance in manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageOptical, aerospace, and research companiesManufacturers of optical components and coatings
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on engineering principles and designFocuses on hands-on coating application and equipment operation

The Junior Optical Coating Engineer typically involves designing and developing optical coatings, requiring a degree in a related field. In contrast, the Optical Coating Technician primarily handles the application and quality control of coatings in manufacturing. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

More about Junior Optical Coating Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Optical Coating Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Optical Coating Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Optical Coating Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Optical Coating Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Optical Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Coherent Corp.

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth processes sufficient to understand their effects on optical, structural and mechanical properties of multilayer thin films.
  • Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers, Agility HMI automation, process control interfaces, process control setup, laser monitoring, Manufacturing execution system and database interface.
  • Have in depth knowledge and experience with vacuum equipment including, pumps, valves, feedthroughs, Mass flow valves, pressure gauges, magnetron cathodes, heaters and heat control systems.
  • Understand Optical thin-film design theory and how to use Optical thin-film design codes for characterizing manufacturing errors. Working knowledge of basic design building blocks, effective indices and the various applications of symmetric design components.
  • Analytical knowledge of automated Optical monitoring systems used for accurate layer thickness control of coatings with as many as 400 layers and synchronous control of deposition process.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze data from radiometric fiber optic measurement system utilizing grin lenses and tunable laser sources.
  • Working together with engineers in a team environment where project actions are interdependent upon multiple team members where shared ideas may be accepted or challenged in an effort to achieve the best outcome for all.
  • Responsible for daily decisions on process, product and equipment problems and their impact on production costs and on-time delivery commitments.
  • Develop new tools and processes for manufacturing new products and integrate them into the manufacturing systems.
  • Interact closely with the Manufacturing team to monitor and clarify procedures.
  • Support Planning and Manufacturing to optimize product flow, throughput and on-time delivery goals.
  • Perform continuous process improvement and development of tools to assist engineering and manufacturing in evaluation of processes, diagnosis of equipment failures, product and business. Support decisions using measurable statistics.
  • Maintain and optimize predictive tools to maximize run yields and minimize downtime.
  • Perform product qualifications for new products or for specified process changes
  • Write or modify work instructions for tasks associated with coating processes, measurement instrumentation and software tool utilized by technicians.
  • Participate in major development efforts driven by Management and work together with Senior engineers to identify how to best support the effort
  • Communicate well with outside vendors and customers, fostering good working relationships.

Education & Experience
  • BS degree or higher in Engineering, Physics or related field
  • 5 years of professional optical coating process engineering in manufacturing.

Skills
  • In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships
  • In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.
  • General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.
  • Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement
  • General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filters
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python codes for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in one of these languages.
  • Have proficient general computer skills. Some examples are; experience with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel, power point etc.
  • Experience TFCALC preferred.

Working Conditions
  • Shift and 'on-call' work may be required, particularly where manufacturing/production equipment is in continual 24-hour operation.

Physical Requirements
  • Able to lift and move up to 25lbs without assistances

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. 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.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.