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Thin Film Coating Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

... The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing processes in ... Specify and improve cleaning, material handling, and storage procedures within the thin film ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

... The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing processes in ... Specify and improve cleaning, material handling, and storage procedures within the thin film ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

... The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing processes in ... Specify and improve cleaning, material handling, and storage procedures within the thin film ...

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 ... Supporting the coating process through training technicians and machine maintenance personnel ...

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 ... Supporting the coating process through training technicians and machine maintenance personnel ...

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.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

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 ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

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 ...

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Thin Film Coating Process Engineer information

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$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for thin film coating process 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thin film coating process engineer?

To thrive as a Thin Film Coating Process Engineer, you typically need a degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related engineering field, along with strong knowledge of thin film deposition techniques. Familiarity with tools such as sputtering systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment, and process control software is important, as are certifications in cleanroom safety or Six Sigma. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in process optimization and troubleshooting. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality film production, maintaining yield, and driving innovation in manufacturing environments.

What does a thin film coating process engineer do?

A Thin Film Coating Process Engineer develops, optimizes, and manages processes for applying thin film coatings to materials or products. They work with technologies like physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to achieve desired material properties such as conductivity, reflectivity, or durability. Their responsibilities often include process design, troubleshooting, quality control, and collaborating with other engineers or technicians to ensure consistent production and high-quality results.

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

AspectThin Film Coating Process EngineerCoatings Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or related field; often requires experience in thin film processesHigh school diploma or associate degree; technical training in coating application
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and optimizing coating processes in labs or manufacturing facilitiesApplying coatings on products in production lines or labs
Industry UsageUsed in electronics, optics, and advanced manufacturing sectorsCommon in industrial coating applications across various manufacturing industries

The main difference is that the Thin Film Coating Process Engineer focuses on developing and improving coating processes, requiring technical expertise and design skills, while the Coatings Technician primarily applies coatings in production settings, focusing on execution and quality control.

What are some common challenges thin film coating process engineers face when optimizing coating processes for new materials?

Thin Film Coating Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as achieving uniform film thickness, minimizing defects like pinholes or delamination, and ensuring repeatable results when working with new materials. These challenges require a strong understanding of both the material properties and the capabilities of deposition equipment. Engineers may need to experiment with process parameters, collaborate with R&D and quality teams, and use advanced characterization tools to troubleshoot and optimize the coating process.
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What cities are hiring for Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Thin Film Coating Process Engineer job openings:
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Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thin Film Coating Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 76728

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​                    

                                                          

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

Come break through with us.  

Corning’s businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions
Role Purpose

The Coating Process Engineer I supports optical thin film coating manufacturing processes in Fairport’s Coating department. The role provides hands-on support to manufacturing operations with a focus on process stability, equipment performance, problem solving, and continuous improvement while building on the foundations of our existing designs and processes. This role will develop foundational expertise and progress toward subject matter expert (SME) capability.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide day-to-day production support, including troubleshooting process upsets and equipment issues
  • Maintain manufacturing processes using existing production assets.
  • Use and improve current metrology methods to monitor and improve manufacturing performance and monitor key process metrics such as yield, scrap, cycle time, and equipment uptime.
  • Identify and support process improvement efforts to reduce costs, improve yield, reduce scrap, and increase capacity
  • Specify and improve cleaning, material handling, and storage procedures within the thin film coating process flow.
  • Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process sheets, flow charts, and checklists and provide training to the production staff for all new processes.
  • Work cross-functionally with production, quality, commercial, and development engineering to extend our current capabilities to meet future needs.
  • Maintain housekeeping standards and support basic equipment and workspace maintenance
  • Follow and promote safe work practices and cleanroom protocols
Required Experience and Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science related field, including, but not limited to: Optical Engineering/Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Physics.
  • Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience
  • Strong critical thinking skills to rapidly solve problems.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Desire to solve problems by using Statistical/6-Sigma/DOE and Hypothesis Tree problem solving methodologies.
  • Ability to function on a process engineering team of multi-disciplinary engineers.
  • Knowledge or Training in one or all these areas: Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Lean Fundamentals, Performance Excellence, and KT Problem Solving.
Hours of Work
  • Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (required).
  • Occasional weekend support may be required based on production needs.
 Travel Requirements
  • Less than 5%.
  • Travel may include training, networking opportunities, and occasional customer or supplier visits.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.


The range for this position is $70,776.00 - $97,317.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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