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Thin Film Coating Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Report discrepancies in processes or procedures to lead personnel. * Track inventory of parts and ...

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Report discrepancies in processes or procedures to lead personnel. * Track inventory of parts and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ... of process physics and mechanics. * Experience with thin film modeling software (TFCalc, Macleod ...

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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 Sep 2, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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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:

What states have the most Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs are:

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, 16% Part Time, 3% 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 II

Corning

Fairport, NY

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Corning rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 76704

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 II owns and improves optical thin film coating manufacturing processes in Fairport's Coating department. The role provides day-to-day engineering support to production operations with a focus on process capability, stability, yield, and cost, while building from established designs and standard work. This engineer applies structured problem solving, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to resolve process issues, implement sustainable improvements, and support technology transfer into manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide day-to-day production support by troubleshooting process excursions, performing root-cause analysis, and driving corrective/preventive actions.
  • Sustain and optimize manufacturing processes using existing production assets; monitor key metrics and implement actions to improve stability, yield, and throughput.
  • Use, improve, and standardize metrology methods to monitor process capability; analyze data to identify trends and prevent defects.
  • Define and improve cleaning, material handling, and storage procedures within the coating process flow, ensuring appropriate documentation and adherence to change control.
  • Identify and lead continuous improvement projects to reduce cost and variation (cycle time, complexity, scrap), with clear problem statements, data, and verified results.
  • Create and maintain documentation (specs, work instructions, control plans) and deliver.
    training to production staff for new/changed processes.
  • Partner with Commercial and Development Engineering to extend capabilities and support technology transfer into manufacturing, including trials, qualification, and ramp 
    support.
  • Partner with suppliers to improve raw materials and work with customers to qualify additional equipment and respond to complaints.
Required Experience and Education
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline (Optical Science/Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering). 
  • 5+ years of experience in optical thin film coating (UV/visible preferred) manufacturing/production support, or related vacuum coating process experience.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and structured problem solving to diagnose root cause and drive corrective actions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document process changes and train stakeholders.
  • Working knowledge of Statistical/6-Sigma/DOE tools and hypothesis-driven troubleshooting; able to apply data analysis to improve yield, throughput, and stability.
  • Comfortable working with and influencing stakeholders across levels (operators/technicians through engineering and leadership) to implement sustainable solutions.
  • Ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team (Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Development) and manage multiple priorities. 
Desired Skills
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and improving process capability and control systems (SPC, Cp/Cpk).  
  • Experience applying problem solving, statistical process control and continuous improvement methodologies: Performance Excellence, DMAIC, Lean, Six Sigma, root  cause analysis, data analysis, or others.
  • Track record of cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and rework elimination.
  • Previous experience in technical manufacturing and process support.  
 
 Hours of Work
  • First shift production hours, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
  • Evening and weekend support as needed. 
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 $84,932.00 - $116,782.00 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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