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Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics ... Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical coating production, including ...

The Backend Process Engineer -InPWafer Fab positionis responsible fordevelopment, optimization, and ... Familiarity with AR/HR optical coating processes * Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Backend Process Engineer

Alhambra, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

The Backend Process Engineer - InP Wafer Fab position is responsible for development, optimization ... Familiarity with AR/HR optical coating processes * Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume ...

Working under senior optical engineers, this person runs day-to-day recording, optical-table ... Cleanroom, thin-film, coating, or fabrication-process experience * MATLAB or Python for data ...

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to ... Bandpass and AR coating development * Radiometric modeling * Manufacturing and assembly process ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join our team developing infrared remote ... Drive R&D initiatives to advance internal capabilities in novel coating technologies, filter ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY ... With over seven decades of experience in optical coating technology, VIAVI OSP is a customer ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site +1

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join our team developing infrared remote ... Drive R&D initiatives to advance internal capabilities in novel coating technologies, filter ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Coating Engineer information

What does an optical coating engineer do?

An Optical Coating Engineer designs, develops, and applies thin-film coatings to optical components to enhance performance by controlling reflection, transmission, and absorption of light. They work with vacuum deposition techniques, material science, and precision engineering to create coatings for lenses, mirrors, and optical filters. Their role involves process development, quality control, and troubleshooting to meet performance specifications for industries like aerospace, telecommunications, and medical imaging.

What are some typical projects or daily tasks for an optical coating engineer?

As an Optical Coating Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing thin-film coating processes, calibrating deposition equipment, performing quality inspections, and troubleshooting production issues. You may collaborate closely with optical designers, manufacturing technicians, and quality assurance teams to ensure coatings meet specific optical and mechanical requirements. Projects can range from developing anti-reflective coatings for lenses to creating specialized filters for advanced scientific or industrial applications. Working in this role provides a dynamic mix of hands-on lab work, process optimization, and teamwork, making it both challenging and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical coating engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Coating Engineer, you need strong expertise in optics, materials science, thin-film deposition techniques, and typically a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with vacuum coating equipment, spectrophotometers, and industry-specific software such as thin-film design and simulation tools is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills enable precise development and application of optical coatings, ensuring product quality and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Coating Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Coating Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Coating Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Coating Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Manufacturing Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Summary:
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Manufacturing Engineer:
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses on optimizing production through data analysis, quality control, and continuous improvement. The position involves hands-on work with equipment, processes, and technologies such as thin-film deposition, high-vacuum systems, complex metrology, and safety systems. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem solving, and close partnership with the manufacturing, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to meet production goals and drive continuous improvement.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
Process Development & Optimization
  • Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical coating production, including thin-film deposition, cleaning, and inspection.
  • Design and execute experiments to identify critical process parameters and improve product yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Troubleshoot production issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

Production Support
  • Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to support daily operations.
  • Provide real-time support to the manufacturing floor, including occasional off-shift remote assistance.

Continuous Improvement
  • Use statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical tools to monitor process performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Drive improvements in cost, quality, productivity, and safety using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

New Product & Process Introduction (NPPI)
  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to transition new products from development to manufacturing, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Project Management
  • Effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Job Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a related field
  • MS or BS in Physics, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, or a similar related discipline
  • Proven track record supporting and improving manufacturing processes in an engineering role
  • Working knowledge of quality systems - PFMEA, CAPA, 8D root-cause, SPC
  • Software & computer competency including MS Office, advanced Excel skills, AI tool generation, experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and data-driven problem-solving.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • ITAR eligible US persons only.
  • Fluent in English (reading and writing)

Preferred Experience:
  • Optical thin-film coating manufacturing or specialty materials manufacturing
  • Transitioning products from prototype to production
  • ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems
  • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Key Attributes:
  • Self-motivated, organized, and autonomous
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective project and priority management
  • Fast learner with strong technical curiosity
  • Hands-on, shop-floor-engaged mindset
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across teams
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
68,600
to
127,400
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.