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Optical Coating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Attalon, Inc.

Lead Coating Engineer

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Attalon / Location Overview The Attalon Integrated Optical Systems business unit is a precision ... Lead Coating Engineer Job Details The Optical Coating Engineer leads the technical team and drives ...

IDEX Corporation

Senior Coating Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Develop and optimize optical coating designs to meet customer performance requirements and manufacturing objectives using Essential Macleod or equivalent thin film design software * Serve as the ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

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 ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

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 ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

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 ...

University of Rochester

$21.78 - $30.53/hr

... optics to be coated ... You will participate in many aspects of coating, including process development and documentation ...

IDEX

Coating Technician B-Shift- MSS

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

And 1-2 years of relevant optical coating work experience or 2+ years of working in an optics or photonics field/manufacturing environment. * Basic computer skills. * Clear communication skills.

Ametek

Optics Coating Operator

Middlefield, CT

We are seeking an Optics Coating Operator to join our precision Middlefield Optics team. As an ... Clean optical components and monitor vacuum chamber for the deposition of optical coatings on ...

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Optical Coating information

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How much do optical coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical coating in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 is an optical coating technician?

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 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.
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What job categories do people searching Optical Coating jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Coating jobs are:
Optical Coating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Coating job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Lead Coating Engineer

Attalon, Inc.

San Pablo, CA • On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Attalon / Location Overview

The Attalon Integrated Optical Systems business unit is a precision optics and optical assemblies design and manufacturing group that specializes in ultra-precision optical components and coatings. Applications include semiconductor and flat-panel display manufacturing, ground and space-based telescopes, defense systems and other exotic scientific and government-sponsored programs. We are seeking an experienced Optical Coating Engineer to join our team!

Lead Coating Engineer

Job Details

The Optical Coating Engineer leads the technical team and drives the design, development, and implementation of new thin‑film coating products and manufacturing processes. This role covers all aspects of coating engineering, including coating and tooling design, process development, qualification, documentation, and hands‑on support of coating operations such as substrate preparation, deposition, inspection, and characterization. The engineer also serves as the Process Owner, ensuring robust process controls, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining consistent, high‑quality production output.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and execution of thin‑film deposition processes; ensure designs meet customer requirements and create supporting documentation, test procedures, BOMs, and work instructions.
  • Troubleshoot coating‑operation issues, identify root causes using analytical techniques, and provide clear corrective action updates.
  • Develop methods and operate precision optical test equipment to measure thin‑film coating properties.
  • Assist in designing and procuring tooling for coating processes.
  • Support maintenance teams in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and repair procedures.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to deliver projects on time and with high quality.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering
  • Minimum of 7 years of related experience, preferably in thin film coating engineering and at an aerospace company. 5 years with an advanced degree

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with thin film deposition technologies (thermal and e‑beam evaporation, sputtering, CVD) and related tooling design; strong understanding of process physics and mechanics.
  • Experience with thin film modeling software (TFCalc, Macleod, etc.).
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Access, and basic CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Strong technical communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to read and interpret shop blueprints and customer drawings.
  • Experience with process design, development, and project planning (preferred).

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $100,625.00 - 178,050.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. 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.


Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.