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Thin Film Coating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Attalon, Inc.

Lead Coating Engineer

Richmond, CA · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Lead Coating Engineer Job Details The Optical Coating Engineer leads the technical team and drives ... Hands-on experience with thin film deposition technologies (thermal and e‑beam evaporation ...

Plug Power, Inc.

Sr. Coating Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

Sr. Coating Engineer Status: Exempt (salaried) Department: Operations Position Summary The Sr. ... Evaluate and maintain thin film coating, conveyance, and drying processes; applying knowledge of ...

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 ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

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 ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

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 ...

Attalon, Inc.

Thin Film Technician

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Job Summary The Thin Film Technician provides technical support, under direct supervision, in all ...

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Thin Film Coating Engineer information

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$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

How much do thin film coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for thin film coating engineer in the United States is $100,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a thin film coating engineer do?

A Thin Film Coating Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing thin film deposition processes used to create specialized coatings on materials and components. These coatings are often applied to enhance properties such as durability, reflectivity, conductivity, or resistance to corrosion. The engineer works with advanced equipment like vacuum chambers and sputtering systems, conducts testing and quality control, and troubleshoots issues to ensure the coatings meet strict specifications. Thin film coatings are widely used in industries such as electronics, optics, aerospace, and renewable energy.

How does a thin film coating engineer typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

Thin Film Coating Engineers frequently work alongside R&D, quality assurance, and production teams to ensure coatings meet both performance and manufacturing requirements. They participate in cross-functional meetings, share technical insights on material properties, and help troubleshoot issues that arise during scale-up. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the engineer must often explain technical concepts to non-specialists and incorporate feedback to optimize coating processes. This collaborative environment enables continuous improvement and successful product launches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thin film coating engineer, and why are they important?

A Thin Film Coating Engineer needs a solid background in materials science, physics, or engineering, often with a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with deposition systems (such as PVD, CVD), vacuum equipment, and characterization tools, along with certifications in cleanroom or safety protocols, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers excel in troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration. These competencies are crucial to ensuring precise coating processes, high product quality, and innovation in advanced manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Thin Film Coating Engineer vs Coatings Technician?

AspectThin Film Coating EngineerCoatings Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science, engineering, or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsProduction lines, coating application areas, maintenance settings
Industry UsageDesigning and developing coating processes, quality controlApplying coatings, equipment setup, routine maintenance

The main difference is that Thin Film Coating Engineers focus on designing, developing, and improving coating processes, often requiring higher education and analytical skills. Coatings Technicians typically handle the application and maintenance of coatings in production settings, with more hands-on work and less emphasis on process development.

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Thin Film Coating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thin Film Coating Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Thin Film Coating Specialist

Abundant Solutions

Richardson, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Thin Film Coating Specialist
Position Summary:
Seeking a hands-on Thin Film Coating Specialist to operate and maintain vacuum coating equipment used to apply precision optical coatings to components for commercial, industrial, aerospace, and defense applications.
Responsibilities:
  • Operate manual and automated PVD vacuum coating systems
  • Work with electron beam evaporation and ion-assisted deposition (IAD) systems
  • Prepare coating chambers, fixtures, tooling, and optical substrates
  • Perform pump-down, leak checks, source conditioning, and deposition operations
  • Monitor and control deposition rates and process parameters
  • Inspect coated optics for cosmetic quality, uniformity, and defects
  • Perform routine equipment cleaning and preventative maintenance
  • Troubleshoot basic vacuum and deposition equipment issues
  • Follow coating run sheets, travelers, engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications
  • Maintain quality, cleanliness, ESD, and safety requirements
  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and maintenance teams
  • Support improvements in production yield, throughput, and coating quality
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma/GED required
  • Technical training or associate degree in optics, vacuum technology, electronics, materials science, or related field preferred
  • Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude
  • Ability to read and follow technical documentation
  • Strong attention to detail and cleanliness
  • Ability to work independently in a manufacturing/cleanroom environment
Preferred Experience:
  • Optical thin film coating equipment
  • Ion-assisted deposition (IAD)
  • Vacuum systems and pumps
  • Quartz crystal monitoring
  • Optical coatings for visible or infrared applications
  • Aerospace, defense, or military optical manufacturing
Physical Requirements:
  • Stand for extended periods
  • Lift up to 40 lbs. occasionally
  • Work around vacuum equipment, high voltage systems, solvents, and coating materials
  • Handle precision optical components and tooling
Additional Requirements:
  • Must be eligible to work with ITAR/export-controlled materials
  • U.S. Citizen
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About Abundant Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

To consistently deliver and exceed mutually agreed upon expectations through proper client and candidate communication. Abundant Solutions is a full service staffing company that specializes in Office and industrial Employees for Temporary, Temporary to Permanent, and Permanent Placements. We respond more rapidly to our customers’ needs with the best employee matches, because we are passionately committed to being the best. Interacting and touching peoples’ lives in a way that promotes the greatest achievement for all parties involved. Believing in short term accomplishments for the fulfillment of long term vision. Matching company needs and objectives to client skills and goals. Discovering new ideas and philosophies in order to advance the beliefs and lives of all. We share our desire to assist and help change professional careers and personal lives for the better.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Tulsa, OK, US

Year founded

2002

Social media

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