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Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Coherent

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

... thin films. * Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers ...

Attalon, Inc.

Lead Coating Engineer

Richmond, CA · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering * Minimum of 7 years of related experience, preferably in thin film coating engineering and at an aerospace company. 5 years ...

Atln

Lead Coating Engineer

Richmond, CA · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering * Minimum of 7 years of related experience, preferably in thin film coating engineering and at an aerospace company. 5 years ...

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Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical thin films coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical thin films coating 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 does an optical thin films coating engineer do?

An Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer designs, develops, and applies thin film coatings to optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and filters. These coatings control the reflection, transmission, and absorption of light to achieve specific optical properties. The engineer uses advanced deposition techniques like sputtering or evaporation, selects appropriate materials, and ensures coatings meet precise performance standards for applications in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and aerospace.

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

To thrive as an Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, materials science, and optics, typically with a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with deposition techniques (such as sputtering and evaporation), thin film characterization tools, and simulation software like TFCalc or FilmStar is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this technical environment. These skills ensure precise coating performance, quality control, and the ability to innovate in the development of advanced optical components.

What are some common challenges optical thin films coating engineers face in maintaining high-quality production standards?

Optical Thin Films Coating Engineers often encounter challenges such as achieving precise thickness control, minimizing defects like pinholes or contamination, and ensuring uniformity across large substrates. Tight tolerances in optical specifications require careful monitoring of deposition parameters and rigorous equipment maintenance. Collaboration with quality control and production teams is essential to quickly identify and address issues, and continuous process improvement is key to meeting the evolving demands of the optics industry.

What is the difference between Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer vs Optical Thin Films Process Engineer?

AspectOptical Thin Films Coating EngineerOptical Thin Films Process Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and development of optical coatings for lenses, lasers, and optical devicesManufacturing processes and equipment for producing optical thin films
Skills & CertificationsOptical physics, coating design, thin film deposition techniquesProcess optimization, manufacturing protocols, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design studios, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, production lines
Industry UsageOptics, photonics, laser technologyOptics manufacturing, industrial production

The Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer focuses on designing and developing optical coatings, while the Optical Thin Films Process Engineer concentrates on manufacturing processes and production efficiency. Both roles require knowledge of thin film technologies but serve different stages of the product lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer jobs?

For Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

R&D Roll Coating Engineer - Thin Film Optics

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Viavi Solutions
Telecommunications • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Viavi Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Summary:
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Position Description: R&D Roll Coating Engineer - Thin-Film Optics
Position Summary
The R&D Roll Coating Engineer plays a key role in developing next-generation thin-film optical materials through advanced roll-to-roll coating technologies. This role focuses on early-stage formulation evaluation, process development, and prototyping of precision optical films used in cutting-edge optical systems, displays, sensors, and photonic components. The engineer will work hands-on in the lab and pilot line to develop scalable coating processes, characterize thin-film performance, and translate experimental findings into robust manufacturing pathways.
Key Responsibilities
R&D Process Development
  • Develop, refine, and validate roll-to-roll coating processes for advanced thin-film optical materials.
  • Design and execute structured experiments (DOE) to explore process-material interactions and determine optimal coating conditions for experimental formulations.
  • Conduct feasibility studies to assess new coating chemistries, equipment configurations, and process technologies for future optical product platforms.

Thin-Film Characterization & Analysis
  • Evaluate thin-film thickness, uniformity, refractive index, optical transmission/absorption, and surface morphology using metrology tools such as profilometry, ellipsometry, AFM, microscopy, and spectrophotometry.
  • Analyze defects and film anomalies and identify root causes through materials, mechanical, or process-related investigations.

Coating Technology Expertise
  • Develop new coating strategies for multi-layer optical stacks, nanostructured films, high-precision functional layers, or specialty surface treatments.

Pilot-Line Development & Scale-Up
  • Conduct hands-on trials on pilot roll-to-roll equipment to validate newly developed processes.
  • Translate laboratory findings into scalable processes and establish the groundwork for manufacturing transfer.
  • Identify constraints or risks associated with scale-up and propose design or formulation modifications to improve manufacturability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with equipment engineering, quality engineering, and manufacturing technology teams to advance new product concepts.
  • Communicate experimental results, insights, and recommendations through technical reports, presentations, and data summaries.
  • Contribute to design reviews, technology roadmaps, and development milestones for emerging optical products.

Documentation & Method Development
  • Develop process documentation, experimental protocols, and early-phase control strategies for new coatings and formulations.
  • Maintain accurate experimental records, process parameters, lab notebooks, and data sets to support reproducibility and long-term research continuity.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, or related technical field.
  • 5-10 years of relevant experience in roll-to-roll coating or thin-film development within R&D or advanced materials environments.
  • Experience performing structured experiments (DOE), data analysis, and root-cause investigations.
  • Proficiency with analytical tools such as Minitab, JMP, or Python-based analysis.
  • Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred:
  • Experience developing thin-film optical materials, multilayer optical stacks, interference coatings, polarization films, or related technologies.
  • Familiarity with optical metrology and thin-film characterization techniques.
  • Experience working in cleanroom or contamination-controlled environments.
  • Current DOD clearance

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
101,500
to
188,500
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

Apply