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Thin Film Coating Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MKS Instruments

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Characterizing the equipment and coating process, and working with the team to reduce downtime ... Correlating thin film performance with deposition chamber hardware and processes * Experience ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Coherent

Coating Technician - ROTATING SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA

$15 - $19.75/hr

Primary Duties & Responsibilities Operation of thin film coating and test equipment including ... Support senior operators in the training of new employees * Provide engineering support with timely ...

Coherent

Coating Technician - MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Saxonburg, PA

$15 - $19.75/hr

Primary Duties & Responsibilities Operation of thin film coating and test equipment including ... Support senior operators in the training of new employees * Provide engineering support with timely ...

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Thin Film Coating Operator information

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

As of Aug 17, 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.

Thin Film Coating Operator jobs near you
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.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

MKS Instruments

Irvine, CA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

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.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Developing, designing and optimizing 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
  • Working closely with design engineers and technicians to resolve technical issues, troubleshooting and characterization of coating chambers processes
  • Characterizing the equipment and coating process, and working with the team to reduce downtime
  • Managing defect issues, implementing root cause solutions to those issues, and continuously promote improvement, quality and cost
  • Supporting the team with process documentation, training and formalizing work instruction documents
  • Supporting the coating process and training of technicians and machine maintenance personnel

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor Degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering with 3-5 years of in-depth experience in a thin film manufacturing environment
  • Correlating 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 of time and climb stairs
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
  • Occasionally moves/positions up to 10 pounds
  • This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environment

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $100,000 to $140,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 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 [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
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.
#LI-EK1
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, s), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. 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, please contact us at: .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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