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Thin Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to develop, support, execute and maintain coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to ...

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop, manufacture and test optical surface treatments. In this role, you will report to the Director of ...

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop, manufacture and test optical surface treatments. In this role, you will report to the Director of ...

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to develop, support execute and maintain coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to the ...

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to develop, support execute and maintain coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to the ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Processes include thin film metal deposition, laser drill, photolithography, electroless/electroplating, and wet chemical etching. Responsibility for factory and engineering support, creating and ...

Processes include thin film metal deposition, laser drill, photolithography, electroless/electroplating, and wet chemical etching. Responsibility for factory and engineering support, creating and ...

Processes include thin film metal deposition, laser drill, photolithography, electroless/electroplating, and wet chemical etching. Responsibility for factory and engineering support, creating and ...

Thin Film Technician

Boulder, CO · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

We are currently seeking a Thin Film Technician who will operate coating chamber systems to produce coated optical components. Main responsibilities: * Understands and promotes a safe environment.

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Thin Film information

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$23K

$68.3K

$122K

How much do thin film jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for thin film in the United States is $68,346.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a thin film specialist do?

A Thin Film specialist is responsible for preparing, depositing, and testing thin film coatings on various substrates using equipment such as sputtering or evaporation systems. Daily tasks often include monitoring deposition processes, performing quality control measurements, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining detailed experimental records. Collaboration with product engineers, process development teams, and quality assurance is common to ensure films meet precise specifications. Staying organized and up to date with safety and cleanroom protocols is also a critical part of the role.

What is a thin film?

A Thin Film job typically involves working with the deposition, characterization, and application of thin material layers on substrates. These films, often only a few nanometers to micrometers thick, are used in electronics, optics, and coatings. Professionals in this field may operate vacuum deposition equipment, analyze film properties, and optimize manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the thin film position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Thin Film role, you need a background in materials science, physics, or engineering, with strong analytical and laboratory skills. Familiarity with deposition systems (such as PVD, CVD, or sputtering), ellipsometry, and cleanroom procedures, along with relevant safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this setting. These competencies are essential to ensure the development and quality control of thin film coatings used in advanced manufacturing and technology applications.

More about Thin Film jobs
What cities are hiring for Thin Film jobs? Cities with the most Thin Film job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Thin Film jobs? The most popular types of Thin Film jobs are:
What states have the most Thin Film jobs? States with the most job openings for Thin Film jobs include:
Infographic showing various Thin Film job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,346 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview

A Day in Your Life at MKS: As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to develop, support, execute and maintain coating designs and processes. In this role, you will report to the Director of Thin Film Engineering.


Responsibilities

  • Develop, design and optimize optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements and specifications, for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes for our thin film coatings group.

  • Work closely with design engineers and technicians to resolve technical issues, troubleshoot and characterize coating chamber processes.

  • Characterize the equipment and coating process, and work with the team to reduce downtime.

  • Manage defect issues, implement root cause solutions, and continuously promote improvement, quality and cost.

  • Support the team with process documentation, training and formalize work instruction documents.

  • Support the coating process and training of technicians and machine maintenance personnel.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering with 3-5 years of in-depth experience in a thin film manufacturing environment.

  • Correlate thin film performance with deposition chamber hardware and processes.

  • Experience troubleshooting and problem solving thin film processes.

  • Strong communication skills.

  • Proficiency using Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint.


Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and climb stairs. Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. Occasionally move/position up to 10 pounds. This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environment.


Compensation and Benefits

Salary Pay Range: $100,000 to $140,000 per year. Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, amount to be determined by MKS. Benefits: health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.


EEO & Equal Employment Opportunity

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. MKS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, contact us at accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

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