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Thin Film Coating Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

San Pablo, 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 ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

... processes. In this role, you will operate vacuum chambers to deposit multilayer thin film optical ... engineering, production management Compensation and Benefits: Hourly Pay Range : $35 - $59 per hour.

Coating Technician 5

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$35 - $59/hr

... processes. In this role, you will operate vacuum chambers to deposit multilayer thin film optical ... engineering, production management Compensation and Benefits: Hourly Pay Range : $35 - $59 per hour.

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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 10, 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:
What states have the most Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Thin Film Coating Process Engineer jobs include:
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, 78% Full Time, 16% 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.

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 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.

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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, green card holders), 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:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role