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Optical Thin Films Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COHERENT

Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$140K - $145K/yr

Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical thin film coatings used in ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including development engineers, manufacturing ...

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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 14, 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.

Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

COHERENT
See more jobs at COHERENTexternal

$140K - $145K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job duties:

Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical thin film coatings used in telecom product lines. Oversee production activities in multiple chambers and manage automated coating platforms to achieve quality, yield, and throughput targets. Analyze manufacturing data to evaluate process performance and recommend improvements for efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including development engineers, manufacturing, maintenance, and thin film design, to assess new designs and ensure compatibility with manufacturing and measurement capabilities. Develop and integrate new tools and processes to facilitate new product introduction and streamline manufacturing operations. Work closely with Quality to resolve customer issues, provide technical expertise on Return Material Authorization requests, and support equipment qualification. Lead continuous improvement initiatives in process engineering and manufacturing systems, contributing to organizational goals with minimal supervision.

Requirements:
  • In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships.
  • In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.
  • General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.
  • Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement.
  • General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filters and Life Sciences fluorescence filters.
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python code writing skills for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in at least two of these languages.
  • Proficient with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.
  • Proficiency in PLC-based and HMI-controlled automated thin film deposition systems.
  • Experience with process control systems, including laser monitoring systems and manufacturing execution system (MES) interfaces.
  • Experience developing and modifying LabVIEW code for automated optical monitoring and thin film thickness control systems.
  • Experience analyzing radiometric measurement data from tunable laser-based optical measurement systems.
  • Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC) for monitoring and improving thin film deposition yield and process stability.
  • Experience performing product qualification testing for new products and process changes in manufacturing environments.
  • Experience developing and maintaining process documentation, including work instructions for manufacturing and measurement systems.
ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Job Identification: 2014456

Degree Level: Master's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $140,005 - $145,000 per year

LinkedIn: #LI-JB1

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