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Thin Film Technology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Finishing Engineer

Greensburg, IN · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

This role requires a strong understanding of materials science, vacuum technology, and thin film characterization techniques and the ability to lead a technical team. Responsibilities • Design ...

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop ... However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the ...

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 ... However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing ... S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of ...

Thin Film Technician

Boulder, CO · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excelitas is a global technology leader with more than 7,500 employees, focused on delivering ... We are currently seeking a Thin Film Technician who will operate coating chamber systems to produce ...

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing ... S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of ...

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience * Experience in one or more of the following Thin Film ...

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience * Experience in one or more of the following Thin Film ...

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience * Experience in one or more of the following Thin Film ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Materials Science, or a related technical field, or ... Experience specifically with thin-film photovoltaic materials. * Knowledge of process control ...

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Thin Film Technology information

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How much do thin film technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for thin film technology in the United States is $21.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is thin film technology?

Thin film technology involves the deposition and manipulation of extremely thin layers of materials, typically ranging from a few nanometers to several micrometers in thickness. These films are used in a wide range of applications including electronics, optics, solar cells, and coatings for various surfaces. The process can involve techniques such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and sputtering, among others. Professionals in this field work on improving material properties, efficiency, and device performance through precise control of film thickness and composition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in thin film technology, and why are they important?

To excel in Thin Film Technology, a strong background in materials science, physics, or engineering—often with at least a bachelor's degree—is essential, along with hands-on experience in thin film deposition and characterization. Familiarity with tools such as sputtering systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and cleanroom protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help professionals troubleshoot processes and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative thin film solutions, ensuring quality, and advancing applications in semiconductors, optics, and electronics.

What are some typical challenges encountered by professionals working in thin film technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in thin film technology often face challenges such as maintaining uniformity and consistency across large-scale film depositions, managing contamination in cleanroom environments, and adapting to rapid technological changes. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous process monitoring, strict adherence to cleanroom protocols, and ongoing professional development to stay updated with evolving deposition techniques. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as materials scientists, engineers, and quality control specialists—is essential to troubleshoot issues and optimize processes for improved device performance.

What is the difference between Thin Film Technology vs Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectThin Film TechnologySemiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in materials science, physics, or engineeringRequires a degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments focused on coating and deposition processesCleanroom settings involved in wafer fabrication and process development
Industry UsageUsed in electronics, optics, and solar panels manufacturingPrimarily in semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs)
Job FocusDeveloping and applying thin film coatings and deposition techniquesDesigning, optimizing, and troubleshooting semiconductor manufacturing processes

While both roles operate in cleanroom environments and require similar technical backgrounds, Thin Film Technology specialists focus on coating processes across various industries, whereas Semiconductor Process Engineers concentrate on wafer fabrication in the semiconductor industry. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right career path and employers find suitable candidates.

More about Thin Film Technology jobs
What cities are hiring for Thin Film Technology jobs? Cities with the most Thin Film Technology job openings:
What states have the most Thin Film Technology jobs? States with the most job openings for Thin Film Technology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Thin Film Technology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,473 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Business Development Manager - Thin Film Solar

Vital Chemicals

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Business Development Manager - Thin Film Solar
Reports To: Vice President of Sales - Thin Film
Location: North America, Remote (Cupertino, CA preferred)
About Vital
Vital is a global leader in advanced materials, thin-film technologies, and critical material recycling. We partner with the world's leading photovoltaic manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and research organizations to develop materials supporting next-generation solar technologies.
Position Summary
Vital is seeking a Business Development Manager - Thin Film Solar to grow our business within the global photovoltaic industry. Reporting to the Vice President of Sales - Thin Film, this role is ideal for an engineer or technical professional with approximately 5 years of experience in thin-film photovoltaics who is interested in transitioning into a customer-facing commercial role.
The successful candidate will leverage their technical knowledge to develop new business opportunities, build customer relationships, and support the commercialization of materials used in Perovskite, HJT, CdTe, and tandem solar technologies.
Responsibilities
  • Develop new business opportunities across the thin-film photovoltaic supply chain.
  • Build relationships with solar manufacturers, equipment suppliers, material suppliers, and research organizations.
  • Support customer qualification programs from initial engagement through commercialization.
  • Coordinate technical and commercial discussions between customers and Vital's global engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Prepare quotations, forecasts, and customer presentations.
  • Monitor industry trends and competitive activity.
  • Represent Vital at customer visits, conferences, and industry events.
  • Travel approximately 25-40%, including international travel.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
  • Approximately 5 years of experience in photovoltaics, thin-film deposition, semiconductor materials, vacuum coating, or a related industry.
  • Strong technical aptitude with an interest in business development and customer engagement.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working with global teams.

Preferred Experience
Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Perovskite photovoltaics
  • HJT or CdTe solar
  • Tandem solar technologies
  • PVD sputtering, evaporation, ALD, or CVD
  • Thin-film materials or high-purity chemicals
  • Sputtering targets or evaporation materials

Who You Are
You're naturally curious, enjoy working with people, and are energized by solving customer challenges. You have a solid technical foundation and understand the photovoltaic industry, but you're looking for an opportunity to apply that knowledge in a commercial role where you can help shape business strategy, build customer relationships, and drive growth.
Why Vital?
  • Join a global leader in advanced materials and critical metals.
  • Work directly with the companies developing the next generation of solar technology.
  • Be part of a fast-growing business supporting Perovskite, HJT, CdTe, and tandem photovoltaics.
  • Build a long-term career with opportunities to grow into broader commercial leadership roles.