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Magnetron Sputtering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

req26735

Tucson, AZ

$45K - $62K/yr

... magnetron sputtering with combinatorial PVD. * Characterization and data analysis of thin film thickness, crystallography, granular structure, stoichiometry, compositional analysis, topography ...

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Conduct development and continuous improvement projects on several coating deposition platforms, including ion beam sputtering, magnetron sputtering, and ion-assisted evaporation. Data mining and ...

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Magnetron Sputtering information

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How much do magnetron sputtering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for magnetron sputtering in the United States is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a magnetron sputtering technician?

To excel as a Magnetron Sputtering Technician, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, experience with thin film deposition, and often a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with vacuum systems, sputtering equipment, process control software, and troubleshooting techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure precise thin film production, minimize equipment downtime, and uphold quality standards in advanced manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Magnetron Sputtering vs Thin Film Coating Technician?

AspectMagnetron SputteringThin Film Coating Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications, knowledge of vacuum systemsSimilar certifications, focus on coating processes
Work EnvironmentCleanrooms, vacuum chambers, manufacturing facilitiesCoating labs, production lines
Industry UsageSemiconductors, optics, electronicsOptics, decorative coatings, electronics

Magnetron Sputtering involves specialized vacuum equipment to deposit thin films, often requiring technical certifications. Thin Film Coating Technicians operate coating equipment in similar environments, focusing on applying coatings. Both roles share overlapping skills and work settings, but Magnetron Sputtering specialists typically handle more advanced vacuum systems and process controls.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals operating magnetron sputtering equipment, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in magnetron sputtering roles is maintaining the stability and uniformity of thin film deposition, as variations can affect product quality. Professionals often need to troubleshoot issues like target poisoning, arcing, or fluctuations in plasma, which require a strong understanding of vacuum systems and process parameters. Regular equipment maintenance and close collaboration with quality control and engineering teams help in identifying root causes and implementing solutions. Ongoing training and hands-on experience are vital for staying updated with evolving technologies and best practices in the field.

What is magnetron sputtering?

Magnetron sputtering is a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique used to deposit thin films onto a substrate. In this process, a target material is bombarded with energetic ions in a vacuum chamber, causing atoms from the target to be ejected and deposited onto another surface. The use of a magnetic field helps to confine the plasma, increasing the efficiency and uniformity of the coating. Magnetron sputtering is widely used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, solar cells, and optical coatings because it provides precise control over film thickness and composition.
More about Magnetron Sputtering jobs
What cities are hiring for Magnetron Sputtering jobs? Cities with the most Magnetron Sputtering job openings:
What states have the most Magnetron Sputtering jobs? States with the most job openings for Magnetron Sputtering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Magnetron Sputtering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,250 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$45K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

  • Thin-film growth of self-healing refractory high-entropy coatings by independently developing recipes, designing and conducting deposition experiments on tungsten-based refractory high-entropy alloy thin films using DC/RF conventional/reactive magnetron sputtering with combinatorial PVD.
  • Characterization and data analysis of thin film thickness, crystallography, granular structure, stoichiometry, compositional analysis, topography, roughness analysis, by conducting and analyzing XRR, XRD/GI-XRD, SEM, TEM-FIB, EDX, AFM to correlate with the fabrication, radiation, and ion/neutron irradiation parameters.
  • Fabrication and integration of GNR-based local diagnostics by designing and fabricating 7/9-atom-wide armchair GNR/GNR-FET devices using bottom-up, on-surface and vapor-mediated synthesis. Developing integration strategies to transfer 7/9-AGNRs on deposited high-entropy coatings without degrading the optical and electrical performance.
  • Characterizing the optical and electrical properties of devices via correlating the fabrication and transfer parameters and the measurements from Raman spectroscopy and transport measurements to establish a baseline. Correlating the damage on high-entropy coating with AGNR device degradation after radiation, and ion/neutron irradiation exposure.
  • Coordinating with the collaborators/facilities and supplying samples for radiation and ion/neutron irradiation exposure experiments in Sandia National Laboratories/CINT and other collaborating facilities.
  • Designing experiments to gather adequate data for defect recombination, defect clustering, and self-healing behavior analysis.
  • Leading/contributing to publish/prepare publications of original research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
  • Submitting abstracts and presenting research results at national and international academic conferences.
  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research projects
  • Provide training on experiments, and data analysis
  • Support the development of lab protocols, workflows and best practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Hands-on expertise in using MBE and PVD systems, including DC/RF, conventional/reactive and combinatorial magnetron sputtering.
  • Proficiency in XRD, AFM, SEM/TEM-FIB, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, electrical measurements
  • Experience with cleanroom nanofabrication, including photolithography, etching, and device integration
  • Good communication skills to facilitate and manage collaborations.

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