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Surface Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Surface Grinding Technician

Monroe, CT

Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and engineering drawings * Inspect finished parts ... * 3+ years of surface grinding and precision machining experience * Strong understanding of ...

Stack AI

Platform Engineer, APIs & Observability

You'll own the surfaces developers and customers use every day. What You'll Do * Help build the public API as a product. Design, version, and evolve the API and SDKs that Stack AI customers build on ...

ISG

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

ISG

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Bloomington, MN Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

ISG

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

ISG

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Mankato, MN · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mankato, MN Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

ISG

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Hawk Group

Facility Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

This role focuses on surface engineering and planning support for development drilling, frac, flowback and well tie-in to temporary and permanent facilities and supports simultaneous operations ...

ISG

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Bloomington, MN

$75K - $150K/yr

As a Civil Engineer supporting the Surface Water group, you hold the key to transforming this vision into reality. Your expertise in designing innovative stormwater systems not only protects the ...

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All JobsSurface Engineer Jobs

Surface Engineer information

What is the difference between Surface Engineer vs Coatings Engineer?

AspectSurface EngineerCoatings Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like NACE or SSPCBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science; similar certifications in coatings and corrosion
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, manufacturing plants, research labsCoating application sites, manufacturing, quality control labs
Industry UsageOil & gas, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingProtective coatings, paints, corrosion prevention in similar industries

Surface Engineers focus on the overall surface treatment and material properties, while Coatings Engineers specialize in applying and developing protective coatings. Both roles often overlap in industries like aerospace and manufacturing, sharing similar credentials and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, surface chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), atomic force microscopes (AFM), and surface characterization software is important, along with certifications in materials analysis or relevant quality standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for developing advanced surface solutions, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in various industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or managerial capacities.

What are surface engineers?

Surface engineers are professionals who specialize in modifying and optimizing the surfaces of materials to enhance their performance, durability, and functionality. They work with coatings, treatments, and advanced materials to protect surfaces from corrosion, wear, or environmental damage. Surface engineers play a key role in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy by improving the lifespan and efficiency of components. Their work often involves research, testing, and the application of new technologies to solve complex surface-related challenges.

What are some typical challenges Surface Engineers face when working on materials for high-performance applications?

Surface Engineers often encounter challenges related to optimizing surface properties such as hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear without compromising the material's overall integrity. Balancing cost-effective solutions with advanced surface treatments can also be demanding, especially when working under tight project deadlines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including materials scientists, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to ensure that surface modifications align with broader product requirements and quality standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive industry experience.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Surface engineers typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training or experience; high earnings in this field usually require advanced skills, certifications, and years of work. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include sales, real estate, or certain entrepreneurial ventures, but these are not specific to surface engineering. Generally, high-paying roles without a degree involve skills, certifications, or experience rather than formal education alone.

What is the highest paid engineer?

The highest paid engineers generally include petroleum engineers, computer hardware engineers, and aerospace engineers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually in some cases. Salaries depend on experience, specialization, and location, with senior roles and those requiring advanced skills or certifications typically earning the most.
More about Surface Engineer jobs
What states have the most Surface Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Engineer jobs are:
Surface Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Surface Grinding Technician

Coherent

Monroe, CT

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Set up and operate surface grinding machines
  • Grind precision parts to required tolerances and surface finish specifications
  • Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and engineering drawings
  • Inspect finished parts using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring tools
  • Select and dress grinding wheels and tooling as needed
  • Troubleshoot Machining and dimensional issues
  • Perform routine machine maintenance and ensure equipment is operating properly
  • Maintain quality standards and follow all safety procedures
  • Support production goals and maintain an organized work area

Education & Experience

  • 3+ years of surface grinding and precision machining experience
  • Strong understanding of grinding processes, tooling, and materials
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • CNC grinding experience is a plus
  • High school diploma or GED required

Skills

  • Ability to read blueprints and work with tight tolerances
  • Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment
  • Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
  • Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
  • Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp. 

Working Conditions

  • Manufacturing or machine shop environment requires prolonged standing, lifting, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Lift materials up to 50 lbs.
  • Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

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!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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