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Optical Thin Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19 - $94/hr

Designs and develops sputtering and evaporation processes to produce optical thin-film based products. * Uses one or more thin film design tools including TFCalc, OptiLayer, FilmStar, and FilmWizard ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements and specifications, for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes for our ...

Attalon, Inc.

Thin Film Technician

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Job Summary The Thin Film Technician provides technical support, under direct supervision, in all ...

NCSL International

Optical Coatings Engineer

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Develop coating designs using optical modeling and thin-film design techniques * Analyze coating performance including transmission, reflection, absorption, durability, and environmental stability

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes to meet requirements ... our Thin Film Coatings group * Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes to meet requirements ... our Thin Film Coatings group * Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Syntec Optics

Coating Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

The Coating Engineer provides engineering support for vacuum thin-film coating processes used in the manufacturing of optical components. This role working closely with other engineers and ...

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Optical Thin Film information

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How much do optical thin film jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical thin film 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 thin film?

An optical thin film is a very thin layer of material, often only a few nanometers to micrometers thick, that is deposited onto a surface to alter the way light interacts with it. These films are engineered to enhance or reduce reflection, transmission, absorption, or polarization of light, making them essential in devices like cameras, eyeglasses, lasers, and scientific instruments. The precise design and application of thin films allow for improved optical performance and specialized functionalities in various industries.

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

To thrive as an Optical Thin Film Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, materials science, or optical engineering, often with a relevant degree and experience in thin film deposition techniques. Familiarity with tools such as spectrophotometers, vacuum deposition systems, and optical design software (e.g., TFCalc or FilmStar) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting fabrication issues. These skills are essential to ensure the precise design, development, and production of high-quality optical coatings for various applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical thin film roles?

Professionals in Optical Thin Film positions often encounter challenges related to maintaining high precision during the deposition process, as even minor inconsistencies can affect film performance. Controlling environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and contamination in cleanroom settings is crucial. Additionally, keeping up with rapid advancements in coating technologies and materials requires continuous learning. Collaboration with engineers, scientists, and quality assurance teams is essential to troubleshoot issues and ensure product standards are met.

What is the difference between Optical Thin Film vs Optical Coating Technician?

AspectOptical Thin FilmOptical Coating Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optics, physics, or engineeringOften requires similar technical certifications or training in optics and coatings
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, cleanroomsManufacturing plants, coating labs, quality control areas
Industry UsageDesign and development of thin film layers for optical devicesApplication of coatings on lenses, mirrors, and optical components

Optical Thin Film specialists focus on designing and analyzing thin film layers, while Optical Coating Technicians apply these coatings during manufacturing. Both roles require knowledge of optics and coatings but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

More about Optical Thin Film jobs

What job categories do people searching Optical Thin Film jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Thin Film jobs are:

Optical Thin Film jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Thin Film 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.

Materials Engineer

The Structures Company

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$19 - $94/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Designs and develops sputtering and evaporation processes for optical thin-film products.

  • Uses thin film design tools and analytical/metrology tools for process design, analysis, and validation.

  • Acts as the primary technical contact for multiple projects and provides mentoring to entry-level engineers and technicians.

Job description

JOB TITLE: Materials Engineer
LOCATION: Santa Rosa, CA
PAY RATE: $79.00-94.15/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (12 months with potential for extension)

  • Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

  • Shift: 4/10-A

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Designs and develops sputtering and evaporation processes to produce optical thin-film based products.

  • Uses one or more thin film design tools including TFCalc, OptiLayer, FilmStar, and FilmWizard for design and analysis.

  • Acts as primary technical contact to internal Program Managers for multiple projects.

  • Provides mentoring and training to entry-level engineers and manufacturing technicians.

  • Applies various advanced analytical and metrology tools for thin film characterization and process control.

  • Performs thin film coating design, process development, and optimization for optical applications.

  • Supports engagements with customers, vendors, and colleagues for technical discussions.

  • Uses data analysis and metrology for process validation and product qualification.

  • Applies materials science and process engineering principles to thin film deposition.

  • Optimizes thin film deposition processes for production and development.

Requirements:

  • Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

  • Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

  • Extensive experience with sputtering and evaporation designs and processes for optical thin-film products.

  • Proficiency with one or more thin film design tools such as TFCalc, OptiLayer, FilmStar, or FilmWizard.

  • Competence with various advanced analytical and metrology tools for thin film characterization.

  • Experience with thin film materials and process engineering.

  • Ability to act as primary technical contact for multiple projects and Program Managers.

  • Experience mentoring and training entry-level engineers and manufacturing technicians.

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for data-driven decision making.

  • Solid communication skills for customer, vendor, and internal engagement.

  • Experience with optical thin-film based product development and production.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

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