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Optical Coating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Employment Group

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Optical Manufacturing Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Optical coating * Assembly * Cleaning * Fabrication * Metrology * Final quality inspection * Follow manufacturing procedures and work instructions with a high level of accuracy. * Handle fragile ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$35 - $59/hr

You will be working with the Optics Coating team on the "Key Initiative" to drive excellence in manufacturing. You Will Make an Impact By: * Clean and inspect parts both before and after deposition ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$59/hr

You will be working with the Optics Coating team on the "Key Initiative" to drive excellence in manufacturing. You Will Make an Impact By: * Clean and inspect parts both before and after deposition ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

... optical coating performance. • Experience supporting optical product development, optical testing, or optical system design. • Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Theoretical and practical understanding of geometrical optics, aberration theory, interference, lasers, thin film coatings, and optical coating performance. Experience supporting optical product ...

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications * Handson experience designing and executing optical lab setups * Experience working with global suppliers on optical components

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications * Hands-on experience designing and executing optical lab setups * Experience working with global suppliers on optical components

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications * Hands‑on experience designing and executing optical lab setups * Experience working with global suppliers on optical components

TEKBERRY

Optical Manufacturing Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Optical Manufacturing Technician - Cleaning Department Pay Rate Rates: $21/hr - $25/hr DOE Benefits ... Assembly, Cleaning, Coating, Fabrication, Final Quality Inspection, Marking, Metrology * Follow ...

Tekberry

Optical Manufacturing Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Optical Manufacturing Technician - Cleaning Department Pay Rate Rates: $21/hr - $25/hr DOE Benefits ... Assembly, Cleaning, Coating, Fabrication, Final Quality Inspection, Marking, Metrology * Follow ...

Kodak

Coating Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

These coating facilities provide both experimental and production coating services to a wide range of companies in technology areas that include batteries, photovoltaics, fuel cells, optical films ...

Kodak

Coating Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

These coating facilities provide both experimental and production coating services to a wide range of companies in technology areas that include batteries, photovoltaics, fuel cells, optical films ...

Xcimer Energy

Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements, performance targets, and integration constraints. * Lead hands-on coating deposition efforts, including thin ...

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Optical Coating information

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How much do optical coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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, 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.
More about Optical Coating jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Coating jobs? Cities with the most Optical Coating job openings:
What states have the most Optical Coating jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Coating jobs include:
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 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 $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optical Manufacturing Technician

Optical Manufacturing Technician

Certified Employment Group

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

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Job description

Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Schedule: Full-Time | Day and Swing Shifts Available (Monday–Sunday, including weekends as needed)
Pay: DOE

 

Position Overview

A growing advanced manufacturing company is seeking a General Optical Manufacturing Technician I to support the production of precision optical components. This position offers the opportunity to work in a high-tech manufacturing environment performing a variety of production, inspection, cleaning, assembly, and quality-related tasks.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and committed to producing high-quality products while working safely in a collaborative team environment.

 

Responsibilities

  • Support multiple manufacturing operations, including:
    • Optical coating
    • Assembly
    • Cleaning
    • Fabrication
    • Metrology
    • Final quality inspection
  • Follow manufacturing procedures and work instructions with a high level of accuracy.
  • Handle fragile precision components ranging from very small to large optical parts.
  • Perform product and equipment inspections and report any abnormalities.
  • Assemble fixtures, tooling, and components.
  • Clean products, equipment, and work areas while maintaining Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Enter production data and utilize manufacturing software and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with manufacturing equipment.
  • Basic math skills, including percentages and decimals.
  • Ability to multitask and work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred

  • Previous manufacturing experience (optical, cleanroom, precision assembly, inspection, or fabrication preferred).
  • Experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams).
  • Mechanical or scientific background or education.
  • Familiarity with quality systems, cleanroom environments, or lean manufacturing principles.
  • Forklift certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
  • Perform repetitive hand movements and precision work using small tools and components.
  • Lift up to 35 pounds occasionally.
  • Work with microscopes, precision instruments, solvents, cleaning agents, and manufacturing equipment.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including cleanroom garments, gloves, masks, and respirators when required.
  • Ability to work overtime as needed.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in advanced manufacturing, with opportunities to learn multiple production processes and develop valuable technical skills in a precision manufacturing environment.

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About Certified Employment Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Certified Employment Group started in San Francisco in 1963. Our cornerstone mission was, and remains, to provide ethical, caring service to each of our clients and employees. These values mean using technology to create efficiencies for our clients, expand our service offerings and enhance the level of service we can provide. As Northern California businesses have prospered, Certified has responded by opening branches to serve high-growth areas. We have expanded our services to include on-site management for major accounts, developing a web based interface and opening specialized divisions in Legal, Renewable Energy and Accounting. Certified remains independently owned, responsive, flexible and wholly committed to our original values. We believe this is the reason for our success. Industry rankings continually place Certified in the top ten percent based on sales!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Emeryville, CA, US

Year founded

1963

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