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Optical Coating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Syntec Optics

Coating Technician I

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Champion of excellence in optical coating production. * Maintains established process parameters to ensure that quality parts are being produced. * Assists Coating Manager is maintaining production ...

Attalon, Inc.

Lead Coating Engineer

Richmond, 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 ...

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

$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 ...

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.

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 ...

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Optical Coating information

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How much do optical coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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 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 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.

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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.

Optical Coating Process Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job duties:                 Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical thin film coatings used in telecom product lines. Oversee production activities in multiple chambers and manage automated coating platforms to achieve quality, yield, and throughput targets. Analyze manufacturing data to evaluate process performance and recommend improvements for efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including development engineers, manufacturing, maintenance, and thin film design, to assess new designs and ensure compatibility with manufacturing and measurement capabilities. Develop and integrate new tools and processes to facilitate new product introduction and streamline manufacturing operations. Work closely with Quality to resolve customer issues, provide technical expertise on Return Material Authorization requests, and support equipment qualification. Lead continuous improvement initiatives in process engineering and manufacturing systems, contributing to organizational goals with minimal supervision.

Requirements:            Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or related.

5 years of experience in optical coating process engineering in manufacturing. Requires skills and experience to involve: 

  • In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships.

  • In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.

  • General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.

  • Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement. 

  • General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filters and Life Sciences fluorescence filters. 

  • Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python code writing skills for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in at least two of these languages.

  • Proficient with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.

  • Proficiency in PLC-based and HMI-controlled automated thin film deposition systems.

  • Experience with process control systems, including laser monitoring systems and manufacturing execution system (MES) interfaces.

  • Experience developing and modifying LabVIEW code for automated optical monitoring and thin film thickness control systems.

  • Experience analyzing radiometric measurement data from tunable laser-based optical measurement systems.

  • Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC) for monitoring and improving thin film deposition yield and process stability.

  • Experience performing product qualification testing for new products and process changes in manufacturing environments.

  • Experience developing and maintaining process documentation, including work instructions for manufacturing and measurement systems.

To apply:                     Email resumes to TalentAcquisition@coherent.com 

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.

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