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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 ...

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 ...

Semi-General Inc

Thin Film Engineer

Londonderry, NH · On-site

The Thin Film Engineer will Oversees the end-to-end processing of thin-film components, ensuring both catalog standards and custom client specifications are met with precision. As a Thin Film ...

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 ...

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 ...

Corning

Thin Film Coating Technician

Fairport, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will work closely with the engineering team to demonstrate new thin film coating and manufacturing ...

Coherent

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

Programmable Logic Controllers, Agility HMI automation, process control interfaces, process control ... Understand Optical thin-film design theory and how to use Optical thin-film design codes for ...

Excelitas Technologies

Thin Film Technician

Boulder, CO · On-site

$22 - $27/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 Jul 26, 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 in the Optical Thin Film Engineer position, and why are they important?

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:
What states have the most Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs are:
Optical Thin Film Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Thin Film Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Thin Film Engineer

Thin Film Engineer

Materion Corporation

Westford, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Materion rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

At Materion, everyone is included, respected and offered opportunity to grow. Join us!
Materion is seeking a Thin Film Engineer to join our rapidly growing Precision Optics and Thin Film Coatings team located in Westford, MA. 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 skills, the ability to perform complex problem solving, and a passion for continued education and learning opportunities. The position also requires the ability to adapt to competing priorities, be able to operate both independently and within a team environment and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
% Time Spent
Primary job duties
35%
Develop, design and optimize optical thin film coating designs to meet customer specifications
Create detailed manufacturing plans for new product opportunities
Provide process engineering support, guidance and instruction to support manufacturing
25%
Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Ensures all necessary process documentation exists and reside in ERP. Oversees and validates SPC, process trouble shooting, MRB investigations and continuous improvement recommendations.
20%
Collaborate with Sales, Production, QA, EHS and R&D teams to integrate innovative solutions and ensure alignment on process improvements. Facilitate effective communication, drive projects and status updates to achieve common goals.
10%
Mentor and train technicians and operators on optimized processes and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the team.
10%
Establish & monitor integrated project schedule to include all phases of development. Develop & track projects using Microsoft Project or similar project scheduling tool. Demonstrate ability to establish & track project budget through entire development cycle.
100%
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in technical discipline (Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar technical discipline) or equivalent experience in engineering and process development.
  • 0- 3 years of Engineering experience in manufacturing process development, optics or optical coating technologies is preferred.
  • Understand and operate metrology equipment used for characterizing thin films, including spectrophotometry and interferometry
  • Experience in a low volume / high mix product environment is an asset
  • Exhibit sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel at all levels, customers and suppliers
  • Experience with SPC, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing skills in problem solving, statistics, manufacturing quality, and quality principles
  • Ability to understand, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems
  • Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and MS Project or similar planning software

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with SPC tools, DOE, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone).
  • Track record of successful project management experience, leading multiple projects simultaneously
  • Background in high-mix, low-volume production environments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary range: $77,200-101,325 *
*The salary range listed is a guide for this position and may vary depending on experience, education, geographic location, and other qualifications. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate's individual merits and the company's compensation policies.
This position may require the eligibility to obtain a security clearance. Non-US citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. For individuals to be considered for a security clearance, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), conducts personnel security background investigations for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. More information about security clearances can be found on the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) website here: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/adjudications/
The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The candidate selected will have to qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Materion's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Materion's business requirements.
Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company's policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company's personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Materion's Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans in the workplace. We honor all those who have served and are a military friendly company. Veterans are encouraged to apply and military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.
Please provide complete information. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.

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