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Thin Films Process Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

MetOx International, Inc.

Senior Process Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer specializing in thin-film deposition, you'll help advance one of the world's most sophisticated continuous manufacturing platforms. Your work will directly influence ...

MetOx International, Inc.

Senior Process Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer specializing in thin-film deposition, you'll help advance one of the world's most sophisticated continuous manufacturing platforms. Your work will directly influence ...

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Thin Films Process Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$47.3K

$87.9K

$136.1K

How much do thin films process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for thin films process engineer in Houston, TX is $87,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $98,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thin films process engineer?

To thrive as a Thin Films Process Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, experience with thin film deposition techniques, and a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with tools such as sputtering systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment, and statistical process control software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies enable precise process optimization, ensure high-quality film production, and facilitate effective collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams.

What does a thin films process engineer do?

A Thin Films Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting processes used to deposit thin layers of materials onto substrates, often for use in semiconductors, solar panels, or optical devices. They work with various deposition techniques such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to achieve desired film properties. Their role involves process design, equipment maintenance, quality control, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve product performance and yield.

What is the difference between Thin Films Process Engineer vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectThin Films Process EngineerChemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Chemical Engineering; certifications may include PE license
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, semiconductor, or electronics manufacturing facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, or research labs
Industry UsageSemiconductor, electronics, optics industriesPetrochemical, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing
Job FocusDeveloping and optimizing thin film deposition processesDesigning and improving chemical production processes

The main difference between a Thin Films Process Engineer and a Chemical Process Engineer lies in their focus areas. Thin Films Process Engineers specialize in thin film deposition techniques used in electronics and semiconductor industries, while Chemical Process Engineers focus on chemical manufacturing and process optimization across various industries. Both roles require a background in chemical engineering principles, but their work environments and specific process expertise differ.

What are some common challenges faced by thin films process engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Thin Films Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining uniform film thickness, preventing contamination, and optimizing process parameters for different materials. These issues can typically be addressed by closely monitoring equipment, following strict cleanroom protocols, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like R&D and quality assurance to troubleshoot and refine deposition processes. Continuous learning and staying updated with new thin film technologies also help engineers effectively solve production problems and drive process improvements.

What are popular job titles related to Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Thin Films Process Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Thin Films Process Engineer job openings:

Thin Films Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thin Films Process Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,874 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Staff Materials Engineer

MetOx International, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we're pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Staff Materials Engineer focused on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials, you'll join a multidisciplinary team advancing the materials science that enables next-generation superconducting wire. Your work will directly influence superconducting performance, manufacturing capability, and the commercialization of one of the world's most transformative energy technologies.
Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Staff Materials Engineer provides technical leadership in the development, characterization, optimization, and scale-up of high-temperature superconducting materials and related complex oxide systems that support MetOx's manufacturing platform. Working closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Quality, and R&D, this role combines advanced materials science, thin-film engineering, and process development to establish technical direction, improve manufacturing robustness, and accelerate the commercialization of next-generation superconducting technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Materials Development Strategy
  • Leads the materials strategy supporting MetOx's HTS manufacturing platform and long-term technology roadmap.
  • Develops a first-principles understanding of the relationships between MOCVD process conditions, film growth, microstructure, and superconducting performance.
  • Defines microstructural targets (texture, defects, interfaces, pinning centers, and composition) required to maximize in-field critical current and manufacturing robustness.
  • Identifies and evaluates new precursor chemistries, deposition approaches, and characterization methods to improve performance, yield, and scalability.
  • Drives the transition of laboratory discoveries into robust, high-volume manufacturing processes.

Project & Experiment Leadership
  • Designs and leads experimental programs to establish processing-structure-property relationships in HTS thin films.
  • Develops MOCVD process windows through systematic experimentation, physics-based modeling, and statistical analysis.
  • Applies advanced characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EBSD, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, to identify performance-limiting mechanisms.
  • Leverages large manufacturing datasets using multivariate statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to correlate tool parameters, diagnostics, and film performance.
  • Develops new in situ and ex situ diagnostic methods to improve understanding and control of film growth.

Integration and Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partners with Process, Equipment, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to transition new materials and processes into production.
  • Translates scientific understanding into manufacturable process improvements that increase yield, consistency, and performance.
  • Collaborates with suppliers, universities, national laboratories, and strategic partners to accelerate technology development.

Mentorship and Technical Leadership
  • Provides technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and scientists.
  • Promotes rigorous experimental design, data-driven decision-making, and scientific excellence.
  • Serves as the subject matter expert for HTS materials, MOCVD process science, and superconducting performance.
  • Guides technical problem solving and supports critical engineering decisions across research, process development, and manufacturing teams.
  • Builds technical capability by coaching engineers, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline. An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and level.
  • 7+ years of experience developing HTS materials, complex oxides, epitaxial thin films, or closely related functional materials.
  • Deep understanding of processing-structure-property relationships in advanced materials.
  • Experience with thin-film growth, epitaxy, crystal defects, microstructure evolution, and advanced materials characterization.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experimental programs.
  • Experience applying multivariate statistics, machine learning, or AI to large experimental or manufacturing datasets.
  • Strong scientific foundation with the ability to connect first-principles materials behavior to manufacturing outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications
  • D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Direct experience with REBCO, YBCO, or related high-temperature superconductors.
  • Expertise in MOCVD or other epitaxial thin-film deposition methods (PLD, sputtering, ALD, CVD).
  • Experience developing vortex pinning architectures and optimizing in-field critical current.
  • Experience transferring research into pilot-scale or manufacturing environments.
  • Record of technical leadership demonstrated through publications, patents, or commercialization of advanced materials technologies.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.
MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including:
  • Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
  • Educational reimbursement
  • And more!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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