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Optical Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber ...

And so much more.​   ​Come break through with us.  Our Optical Communications segment has ... You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber ...

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber ...

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions Role Purpose The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing ...

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions Role Purpose The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing ...

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions Role Purpose The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing ...

THE ROLE E Ink's Product Development Group is looking for a Coating Engineer to join the Coating ... Conduct film characterizations such as profilometry, optical, mechanical, and analytical to verify ...

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The coating process engineer will be a key resource in advancing new products, new capabilities ... This work will encompass the Semrock filter business as well as optical coatings for the optical ...

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Optical Coating Engineer information

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$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

How much do optical coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical coating engineer in the United States is $100,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $109,500.00 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.

More about Optical Coating Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Coating Engineer jobs? Cities with the most 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 Optical Coating Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Coating Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Coating Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Coating Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Optical Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Coating Engineer

Corning

Wilmington, NC • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 76039
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
Role Purpose
Corning is hiring a UV coatings expert to develop performance monitoring tools, drive quality improvement, and identify cost reduction opportunities across a portfolio of UV curable materials used in optical fiber and cable manufacturing. You'll develop a deep understanding of how coating formulations translate to measurable fiber performance, track batch-to-batch variability, lead investigations into quality issues, and partner with coating manufacturers and suppliers to improve consistency and reduce cost. This is a technically rich, high-impact role for a polymer chemist or chemical engineer who thrives at the intersection of materials science, data analysis, and manufacturing - and wants their work to directly influence the quality and cost of Corning's optical fiber products.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop performance monitoring tools and analytical approaches to track UV curable coating batch performance and correlate variability in coating manufacturing to measurable fiber attributes
  • Use data systems and performance monitoring tools to drive quality improvement, cost reduction, and a more secure supply chain
  • Lead or support root cause investigations and resolution of coating performance issues and quality problems
  • Lead and sponsor projects focused on cost reduction, performance improvement, quality enhancement, capacity increase, or other strategic priorities
  • Evaluate requirements for testing and implementing new coatings, formulations, and vendors; support supplier qualification and cross-functional collaboration
  • Adjust priorities in response to changing business conditions; collaborate effectively across teams and organizational levels

Experiences/Education - Required
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with a demonstrated polymers background, and 4+ years of relevant experience; OR Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with sufficient manufacturing experience to understand manufacturing and quality systems
  • Thorough understanding of UV curable materials and photopolymer systems
  • Thorough understanding of manufacturing and quality systems
  • Intermediate to advanced data collection and analysis skills
  • Project management experience - coordination of multiple, interrelated tasks across cross-functional teams
  • Ability to make sound technical decisions within and outside area of expertise
  • Detailed understanding of chemical and fluid systems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical presentations
  • Ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization, both independently and within cross-functional teams

Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Experience with optical fiber and cable UV curable coatings and inks
  • Six Sigma / DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) Green Belt or Black Belt certification
  • Experience in a manufacturing facility with established data and quality systems

Work Conditions
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday; overtime-exempt position; overtime expected at times based on business needs
  • Travel: less than 25%, domestic and international

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $95,042.00 - $130,683.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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