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Optical Thin Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luxium Solutions, LLC

Thin Film Technician II

Boulder, CO · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Performs various optical fabrication processes including but not limited to: beveling, milling, blocking, grinding, polishing, curve generation, and inspection/measurements. This position offers an ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience * Strong critical thinking skills to rapidly solve problems. * Strong written and oral communication skills. * Desire to solve problems ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience * Strong critical thinking skills to rapidly solve problems. * Strong written and oral communication skills. * Desire to solve problems ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience * Strong critical thinking skills to rapidly solve problems. * Strong written and oral communication skills. * Desire to solve problems ...

Chipton Ross

Materials Engineer

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$94.15/hr

Experienced thin film materials and process engineer. Extensive experience with sputtering and evaporation designs and processes to produce optical thin-film based products. * Can be involved in ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

Viavi Solutions

$68K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$68K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

Meta

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K/yr

Experience with thin-film deposition methods (sputtering, ALD, or e-beam evaporation) * Proficiency with metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, and optical characterization systems * Demonstrated ...

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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.

Thin Film Technician II

Luxium Solutions, LLC

Boulder, CO • On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Thin Film Technician II

Excelitas is seeking a detail-oriented Thin Film Technician II to join our team. The purpose of this position is to fabricate optical components according to customer specifications. Performs various optical fabrication processes including but not limited to:  beveling, milling, blocking, grinding, polishing, curve generation, and inspection/measurements.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to grow your technical skills in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on cutting-edge materials technology.

Responsibilities
  • Performs basic shaping process steps on simple to medium-difficult parts. 
  • Beveling - cup and straight line
  • Blocking - standard (multiple parts on the same block) wax blocking, which includes the ability to choose the correct type of tooling
  • Edging -  standard edging tasks up to .001 tolerance
  • Milling -  standard milling tasks
  • Sawing - KLE cut-off type operations
  • Grinding - to include continuous and double side
  • May assist with pouring lap
  • Inspects and cleans parts
  • Basic reading and comprehension of work instructions and prints for basic dimensions
  • Mathematics - Using basic mathematics to calculate.....
  • Measurement skills include:  calipers, drop gauges, micrometers, comparators, measuring microscope (Z scope), spherometer
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Basic Math skills
  • Teamwork - the ability to work effectively and contribute to a team
  • Ability to follow detailed work instructions and maintain accurate records.
  • Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
  • Ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues and communicate effectively with team members.
  • Strong commitment to safety and quality standards.

Benefits

Excelitas offers a goal-oriented team dedicated to Safety, Excellence, Agility and Respect. Come pursue your career within a niche business and learn something that you can't find anywhere else! We have a great benefits package with:

  • Enjoy a generous 144 hours of accrued PTO right from day one,
  • Hourly: $20.00-$26.00
  • benefit from a 401k match of up to 5%,
  • Access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on your very first day.
  • ...and so much more to enhance your career and well-being!

Apply