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Optical Thin Film Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Materion Corporation

Thin Film Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site +1

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Materion

Thin Film Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to ... Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop ... Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes to meet requirements ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop ... Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes to meet requirements ...

Dontech Inc

Thin Film Engineering Technician

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

... Thin Film Engineering Technician to work with the R&D Engineering team on the design, hands-on ... Measure and evaluate coatings using optical and physical metrology tools (e.g., spectrophotometers ...

Dontech Inc

Thin Film Engineering Technician

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$31 - $36/hr

... Thin Film Engineering Technician to work with the R&D Engineering team on the design, hands-on ... Measure and evaluate coatings using optical and physical metrology tools (e.g., spectrophotometers ...

Excelitas Technologies

Thin Film Technician

Boulder, CO · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

We are currently seeking a Thin Film Technician who will operate coating chamber systems to produce ... engineering resources, comprehensive optical fabrication and coating capabilities, advanced ...

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Optical Thin Film Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical thin film engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical thin film engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical thin film engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Thin Film Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, materials science, and optical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or advanced degree. Familiarity with thin film deposition techniques (such as sputtering or evaporation), optical simulation software (like TFCalc or FilmStar), and experience using metrology tools are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are important soft skills for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure reliable design, fabrication, and testing of high-performance optical coatings meeting stringent industry standards.

What does an optical thin film engineer do?

An Optical Thin Film Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes thin film coatings used in optical systems, such as lenses, mirrors, and filters. They work with deposition techniques like evaporation, sputtering, or chemical vapor deposition to achieve precise optical properties. Their role involves simulation, characterization, and troubleshooting to ensure coatings meet performance specifications for applications in industries such as aerospace, telecommunications, and medical devices.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an optical thin film engineer?

As an Optical Thin Film Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include designing and simulating thin film coating stacks, setting up and optimizing deposition processes, and performing quality assurance measurements using advanced metrology equipment. You may also collaborate closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure products meet technical specifications. Regular tasks include maintaining documentation, analyzing test data, and suggesting continuous process improvements. This dynamic role offers hands-on lab work alongside opportunities for cross-functional teamwork and technical innovation.

More about Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Thin Film Engineer job openings:
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Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Thin Film Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview

A Day in Your Life at MKS: As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to develop, support, execute and maintain coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to the Director of Thin Film Engineering.


Responsibilities

  • Develop, design and optimize optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements and specifications, for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes for our thin film coatings group.

  • Work closely with design engineers and technicians to resolve technical issues, troubleshoot and characterize coating chamber processes.

  • Characterize the equipment and coating process, and work with the team to reduce downtime.

  • Manage defect issues, implement root cause solutions, and continuously promote improvement, quality and cost.

  • Support the team with process documentation, training and formalize work instruction documents.

  • Support the coating process and training of technicians and machine maintenance personnel.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering with 3-5 years of in-depth experience in a thin film manufacturing environment.

  • Correlate thin film performance with deposition chamber hardware and processes.

  • Experience troubleshooting and problem solving thin film processes.

  • Strong communication skills.

  • Proficiency using Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint.


Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and climb stairs. Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. Occasionally move/position up to 10 pounds. This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environment.


Compensation and Benefits

Salary Pay Range: $100,000 to $140,000 per year. Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, amount to be determined by MKS. Benefits: health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.


EEO & Equal Employment Opportunity

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. MKS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, contact us at accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

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