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Thin Film Coating Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coating Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Operators work in a variety of roles, all of which are involved in manufacturing the highest ... thin-film coating processes. • Strong problem solving, data analysis, and computer abilities ...

Coating Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Operators work in a variety of roles, all of which are involved in manufacturing the highest ... Understanding of thin-film coating processes. Strong problem solving, data analysis, and computer ...

Coating Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Operators work in a variety of roles, all of which are involved in manufacturing the highest ... thin-film coating processes. • Strong problem solving, data analysis, and computer abilities ...

Coating Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Operators work in a variety of roles, all of which are involved in manufacturing the highest ... Understanding of thin-film coating processes. Strong problem solving, data analysis, and computer ...

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 ...

Coating Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Operators work in a variety of roles, all of which are involved in manufacturing the highest ... Understanding of thin-film coating processes. Strong problem solving, data analysis, and computer ...

Coating Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Operators work in a variety of roles, all of which are involved in manufacturing the highest ... thin-film coating processes. • Strong problem solving, data analysis, and computer abilities ...

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 Technician

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Coordinate with operators to meet production schedules and maintain workflow. * Communicate ... Experience with vacuum systems, sputtering equipment, or thin-film deposition processes.

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 ...

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 ...

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Thin Film Coating Operator information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do thin film coating operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for thin film coating operator in the United States is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a thin film coating operator do?

A Thin Film Coating Operator is responsible for operating equipment that applies thin layers of material onto various substrates, such as glass, metal, or plastic. This process is often used in the production of optical coatings, electronics, or decorative finishes. The operator monitors machinery, prepares materials, ensures quality control, and troubleshoots issues during the coating process. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.

What are some common challenges a thin film coating operator faces during production runs, and how are they typically addressed?

Thin Film Coating Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent coating thickness, minimizing contamination, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. These challenges require careful monitoring of process parameters, regular cleaning of equipment, and prompt communication with maintenance or engineering teams. Operators typically follow strict protocols and utilize precision instruments to ensure quality, while ongoing training and teamwork help address issues efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Thin Film Coating Operator, you need a solid understanding of materials science, precision measurement, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with vacuum deposition equipment, cleanroom protocols, and process control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help operators maintain high quality and safety standards. These skills ensure the production of reliable, high-performance coated products essential to industries like optics and electronics.

What is the difference between Thin Film Coating Operator vs Coating Technician?

AspectThin Film Coating OperatorCoating Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on coating equipmentHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or industrial settings, operating coating machineryIndustrial or manufacturing environments, performing coating applications and maintenance
Job FocusOperating and monitoring thin film coating equipmentApplying, inspecting, and maintaining coatings on various surfaces

The main difference is that Thin Film Coating Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring coating machinery for thin films, while Coating Technicians are more involved in applying and inspecting coatings. Both roles require similar certifications and work in industrial settings, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the coating process stage.

Infographic showing various Thin Film Coating Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,086 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer/ Entry-Level

Orlando, FL • On-site


Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 393 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Standard Job Description
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
You will be the Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, working in the Optical Components Center (OCC) in Orlando, FL. Our team is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting the production life-cycle of electromagnetic grids and thin film coatings for various optical systems, and we're looking for a talented Manufacturing Engineer to join our team.
This position is for first shift, Tuesday to Friday (4/10B)
What You Will Be Doing
As the Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings. You will design and develop optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows, and define the parameters of equipment for the processes. You will also perform characterization of the deposited coatings and analyze data, and provide technical guidance to operators.
  • Supporting manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings
  • Designing and developing optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows
  • Defining the parameters of equipment for the processes and defining maintenance items for supporting the equipment
  • Performing characterization of the deposited coatings and analyzing data
  • Providing technical guidance to operators and developing and managing work instructions
  • Investigating defective hardware and implementing corrective actions to prevent defects from occurring
  • Driving the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and quality
  • Support manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings.
  • Design and develop the optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows.
  • Define the parameters of equipment for the processes and define the maintenance items for supporting the equipment for product sustainment.
  • Perform characterization of the deposited coatings and analyze data.
  • Provide technical guidance to operators and effectively communicate the processes in work instructions. Develop and manage work instructions.
  • Investigate defective hardware and provide next steps to get the hardware back into production and implement corrective actions that will prevent defect from occurring.
  • Drive the adoption of new technologies (capital investments, automation, robotics) to improve efficiency and quality.

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline from an accredited college.
Must have skills, experience and/or course work in one OR more of the following categories:
• Thin film
• Coatings
• Photolithography
• Optics
Experience or basic training in at least one
programming language for data analysis:
• Python
• Matlab
• Excel VBA
Microsoft Office software experience
Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain a
security clearance.
Desired Skills
Breadth in skills, experience and/or course work across multiple disciplines of manufacturing engineering is strongly desired. Examples include but not limited to: writing/reviewing work instructions (or standard operating procedure manuals), data analytics, automation, mechanical design of equipment or supporting tools, maintaining the product lifecycle, and working in a clean room environment.
Candidates with thin film coating specialization will have skills and/or experience in the design, manufacturing (physical vapor deposition, ion beam sputtering, chemical vapor deposition), and metrology of optical thin film coatings.
Candidates with photolithography specialization will have skills and/or experience with semiconductor fabrication processes (wafer preparation, coating, exposure, development, and etching) and with photolithography equipment (steppers, scanners, and track system).
Knowledge of process control techniques, including statistical process control (SPC), control charts, and yield enhancement.
Having strong time management skills (ability to adjust priorities), ability to work independently, and able to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams are critical skills to support on the floor production.
Work Schedule :Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Security Clearance :This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Work Schedule :4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
National Pay Statement :Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $67,000 - $117,990. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912


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