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Optical Coating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Coating Specialist

West Henrietta, NY

$23/hr

Work with advanced technology and skilled professionals in the optical coatings industry * Gain valuable experience in a leading manufacturing setting What's a typical day as a Coating Specialist?

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 ...

Kelly Services

Coating Specialist

West Henrietta, NY

$23/hr

Work with advanced technology and skilled professionals in the optical coatings industry * Gain valuable experience in a leading manufacturing setting What's a typical day as a Coating Specialist?

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 · 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

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

Kodak

Coating Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$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 ...

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All JobsOptical Coating Jobs

Optical Coating information

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$11

$21

$37

How much do optical coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Coating Specialist

Coating Specialist

Kelly Services

West Henrietta, NY

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Feeling stuck? Put your career in motion with a great, new opportunity. Join the Kelly® team as a Coating Specialist to work at a premier manufacturing client in West Henrietta, NY. We’re here every step of the way to help you and your career be the best it can be. Bring your energy and expertise. We’ll help you get where you want to be.

Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour Shift: B-shift, 3-11:00pm M-F Why you should apply to be a Coating Specialist:
  • Competitive pay rate with steady, long-term opportunity
  • Safe, clean, and organized work environment with a focus on 5S principles
  • Work with advanced technology and skilled professionals in the optical coatings industry
  • Gain valuable experience in a leading manufacturing setting
What’s a typical day as a Coating Specialist? You’ll be:
  • Washing, inspecting, and preparing glass substrates for deposition processes such as ion beam and magnetron sputtering
  • Loading and unloading vacuum coating chambers and related equipment
  • Measuring coated parts for uniformity using specialized equipment and applications
  • Sandblasting and cleaning aluminum parts for reuse in vacuum chambers
  • Communicating issues and collaborating with Team Leaders and Managers to ensure smooth operations
  • Upholding values of trust, teamwork, and excellence while maintaining high quality standards
  • Performing housekeeping and organizational tasks to support a safe and efficient workplace
This job might be an outstanding fit if you:
  • Have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (required)
  • Bring over 2 years of experience in an optical coating or manufacturing environment (preferred)
  • Possess good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer applications
  • Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Enjoy collaborating with others to resolve technical challenges
What happens next

Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry—even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means all of our recruiters will have access to your profile, expanding your opportunities even more.

Helping you discover what’s next in your career is what we’re all about, so let’s get to work. Apply to be a Coating Specialist today!


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Get a complete career fit with Kelly®.

You’re looking to keep your career moving onward and upward, and we’re here to help you do just that. Our staffing experts connect you with top companies for opportunities where you can learn, grow, and thrive. Jobs that fit your skills and experience, and most importantly, fit right on your path of where you want to go in your career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

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