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Optical Coating Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Optical Coating information

See Oregon salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do optical coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical coating in Oregon is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Coating Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Coating Technician, you need knowledge of thin film deposition, precision measurement, and a background in physics or engineering, often supported by relevant technical certifications or an associate degree. Familiarity with vacuum coating systems, spectrophotometers, and cleanroom protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality coatings, minimize defects, and support the production of advanced optical components for industries like aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications.

What can you do with a degree in optics?

A degree in optics can lead to careers such as optical coating technician, optical engineer, or research scientist, involving designing, manufacturing, and testing optical components and coatings. Skills in optics, physics, and materials science are essential, and familiarity with optical testing tools and cleanroom environments is often required.

What is the difference between Optical Coating vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical CoatingOptical Technician
CredentialsCertifications in optics, coatings, or related fieldsHigh school diploma or technical training, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentCleanrooms, laboratories, manufacturing facilitiesOptical labs, manufacturing plants, repair shops
Industry UsageDesigning and applying coatings to lenses and optical componentsAssembling, testing, and repairing optical devices

Optical Coating specialists focus on applying specialized coatings to optical components to enhance performance, while Optical Technicians handle the assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical systems. Both roles require knowledge of optics but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What do optical coatings do?

Optical coating jobs involve applying thin film layers to lenses and optical components to control light transmission, reflection, and absorption. These coatings improve device performance by reducing glare, enhancing durability, and optimizing optical properties, often requiring precision tools and cleanroom environments.

What are optical coating technicians?

Optical coating technicians are skilled professionals who apply thin layers of material onto optical components, such as lenses, mirrors, or filters, to alter their reflective, transmissive, or absorptive properties. These coatings can enhance the performance of optical devices by reducing glare, increasing light transmission, or providing protective barriers. Technicians use specialized equipment in cleanroom environments and follow precise processes to ensure high-quality coatings for applications in industries like photography, telecommunications, and medical devices.

What is an optical coating technician?

An optical coating technician applies thin film coatings to lenses, mirrors, and other optical components to enhance their performance. They operate specialized equipment, follow precise procedures, and often work in cleanroom environments to ensure coating quality and consistency.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical coating, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optical coating often face challenges related to maintaining high precision and consistency in thin film deposition, as minor process variations can impact coating performance. Cleanroom environments and strict quality control protocols are essential to minimize contamination and defects. Working closely with engineers, quality assurance teams, and equipment technicians helps address technical issues quickly. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving coating technologies also support effective problem-solving and career development in this specialized field.

What does a coating technician do?

A coating technician applies optical coatings to lenses, mirrors, and other components to enhance their performance. They operate specialized equipment, follow precise procedures, and ensure quality control to meet specifications. Attention to detail and knowledge of cleanroom environments are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Coating jobs in Oregon? For Optical Coating jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Coating jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Coating jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Optical Coating job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,147 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Visual Inspector, QC

Visual Inspector, QC

Orchid Orthopedic Solutions

Oregon City, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Combining Strengths. Expanding Possibilities. Tecomet and Orchid are now one company. Explore more at www.tecomet.com.

ABOUT US

The Oregon City, OR Site was established in 1969 and joined the Orchid team in 2012. The site focuses primarily on investment casting and 3D wax printing and machining and finishing and coating of orthopedic implants for extremities and large joint markets.


Robotic wax assembly, internal tool and design, finished machining, polishing, and sintered bead coating are key capabilities of the site. Our 80,000 square foot, FDA registered site employs approximately 175 team members. We ship nearly 1 million hip and knee joint implants to our customers who, in turn, provide solutions that enable patients to live longer, active lives. Fully integrated, our site manufactures medical implants from start to finish complying with the ISO 13485:2016 standard.


A career with Orchid provides growth opportunities, a great benefits package including performance bonuses, insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. For more information, please visit www.orchid-ortho.com.


SHIFT

ORE - Shift 1 ($0) (United States of America - Oregon)

A BRIEF OVERVIEW
The QC Inspector, Visual, Orchid Oregon, performs tasks to visually inspect machined and machined & polished parts to ensure compliance to customer acceptance criteria in accordance with established policies and procedures. The QC Inspector, Visual, Orchid Oregon reports to the Quality Control Supervisor.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Visually inspect machined and machined & polished parts

  • Route non-conforming product for rework operations to ensure compliance of customer acceptance criteria

  • Complete proper documentation as required including, but not limited to, process routing card, salvage router, scrap tags, dimensional reports, etc.

  • Ensure compliance to Orchid requirements in inspection and record keeping.ย Collect inspection data and report results.ย ย 

  • Maintain accurate documentation at all times during the manufacturing and inspection process per Good Manufacturing Practices.

  • Perform complete Device History Record review.

  • Ensure all raw materials received meet specifications, when applicable.

  • Perform testing and inspection at various stages of production, including visual and dimensional inspection.

  • Ensure customer specifications and other applicable internal requirements are followed.ย 

  • Use inspection tools for measurement purposes, such as micrometers, calipers, height gages, optical comparator, gage blocks, thread gages, plug gages, pin gages, functional gages, and dial indicators.

  • Monitor gages/inspection tools to ensure adequate results and escalate any issues.

  • Perform visual and/or cosmetic inspection of product following applicable procedure(s) using appropriate light sources. Monitor equipment to ensure proper operation and escalate any equipment-related issues.

  • Communicate potential nonconforming situations to Quality Engineering and Quality Management.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic manufacturing concepts and processes.

  • Quarantine non-conforming or potential non-conforming parts or materials.

  • Work modified schedules to support production requirements as necessary.

  • Complete First Article Inspections as well as receiving, in-process, and final and packaging inspections against customer requirements with minimal supervision.

  • Operate and perform basic programming duties of advanced inspection systems.

  • Train inspection personnel.

  • Inspect customer-returned parts.

  • Under guidance, perform first piece inspections to support production and perform internal manufactured first articles.

  • Advocate for the health and safety of self, co-workers, customers, and the community.

  • Support quality and compliance by adhering to all procedures, work instructions, and forms per the Quality Management Systems (QMS).

  • Complete all required training.


EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Or Equivalent (Required)

  • Associates of Science (A.S) (Preferred)


EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in a Scientific Field (Preferred)

  • Experience in Quality Inspection and Lean Manufacturing (Preferred)

  • 3+ Years of Experience (Required)


LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Any American Society for Quality (Preferred)

  • Any Technical Trade School (Preferred)


KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS THAT ENABLE SUCCESS

  • Programming - Working Experience

  • Problem Solving - Working Experience

  • Mathematical Ability - Extensive Experience

  • Data Entry - Working Experience

  • Computer Knowledge - Working Experience

  • Collaboration - Working Experience

  • Handwriting - Working Experience

  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail - Working Experience

  • Quality Inspection Metrology Tools - Extensive Experience

  • Information Processing - Working Experience

  • Blueprint Reading - Extensive Experience

  • GD&T - Extensive Experience

  • Visual Quality Assurance - Extensive Experience

  • Layout Inspection - Extensive Experience

  • Time management - Working Experience

  • Testing - Working Experience

  • Production and Processing - Working Experience


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position - Frequently

  • Must be able to move about the inside of the building - Occasionally

  • Must be able to move equipment around the building - Occasionally

  • Must be able to position oneself and move under/around/over equipment - Occasionally

  • Must be able to handle/adjust/inspect/position various items and equipment - Constantly

  • Must be able to communicate and exchange information with others - Frequently

  • Must be able to perform tasks that require repetitive handling/adjusting/inspecting/positioning of items and equipment - Constantly

  • Must be able to distinguish and detect information such as writing and defects - Constantly

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Opportunity to work in a growing company

  • Ability to help people live a longer, more active life

  • Comprehensive benefit package

  • Ability to work in an organization that values:

    • Integrity First: We do the right thing

    • Teamwork: We are one Orchid

    • Results: Our results matter

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Candidates offered employment may be required to submit to a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug-screening based on position requirements

  • Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time

  • Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States through eVerify

At Orchid, we fully support a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, hair type, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Orchid Orthopedic Solutions only pays fees for solicited presentations of job seekers submitted through our preferred vendor job board by recruiters, employment agencies, or other parties.