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Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA ยท On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA ยท On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information * Attend and participate in daily ... optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

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Optical Coating Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$75.7K

$100.6K

$122.8K

How much do optical coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical coating engineer in Pennsylvania is $100,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Optical Coating Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,560 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA โ€ข On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


Shift: One week of 7am -3pm: Mon -Fri, then a week of 3pm - 11pm: Mon - Fri, and rotate that schedule every other week.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Operation of thin film coating and test equipment including:
  • Retrieving proper designs according to set schedule and programs into coating system operations controller

  • Operate coating equipment according to set parameter and establishing procedures

  • Determine evaporation layer end points to high level of accuracy

  • By observation and deduction, extract the maximum amount of data from each coating run and document accordingly

  • Monitor two high volume coating chambers at one time, while supporting peers in their operations

  • Communicate daily activities during quality meetings

  • Operate characterization/test equipment and interpret results

  • Maintain schedule demands and requirements

Coating Chamber Setup
  • Evaluate design requirements and prepare evaporation materials accordingly

  • Evaluate evaporation components to assure proper operation requirements

  • Change out all worn/dirty components and replace with cleaned or new ones

  • Observe and extract the maximum amount of data from each calibration/production run. Evaluate data from calibration/production runs

  • Use calibration equipment to assure proper setup and quality control

  • Double check design and run requirements before loading run

  • Document log information required for design operations

  • Accept responsibility for the quality of the thin film coating process and equipment assigned

Related Job Tasks
  • Supporting cleaning area in loading of optical components

  • Prepare evaporation material according to procedure

  • Maintain inventory controls

  • Perform minor maintenance with minimal support

  • Take traces between coating runs to verify performance

  • Learn nonstandard system operations at a basic level

  • Audit personal and peer procedures for process consistency

  • Support senior operators in the training of new employees

  • Provide engineering support with timely, accurate information

  • Attend and participate in daily quality meetings

Education & Experience
  • High school graduate or equivalent

  • Manufacturing experience preferred

Skills
  • Able to work in a demanding, fast-paced production environment

  • Able to multi-task and prioritize

  • Forward thinker

  • Strong attention to detail and quality

  • Team-oriented; works well with others in the group

  • Excellent interpersonal skills

  • Good communication, both verbal and nonverbal

  • Must be able to effectively listen and assimilate, present organized trains of thought, assure a timely information exchange with others as required

Working Conditions
  • Must be able to work with acids, radioactive materials and other toxic chemicals

  • Make-up and perfumes discouraged while working in clean room to prevent contamination

Physical Requirements
  • Long periods of standing and/or walking (3-4 hours at a time)

  • Must be able to wear a full-face respirator. Must be clean shaven

  • Must be able to lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs.

  • Bending and stooping required

  • May need to utilize step stool or elevated working platform to adjust within coating chamber and to disassemble/reassemble

Safety Requirements
  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

  • This position is subject to a pre-employment physical evaluation associated with wearing a respirator.

  • This position must under-go annual physical evaluations associated with respirator use.

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.
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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.