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Thin Films Process Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Redmond, WA

$122K/yr

... engineering -- directly contributing to the hardware that will power Meta's AR glasses and displays ... processes for precision waveguide fabrication * Deposit dielectric thin films using sputtering ...

Meta

Fab Engineering Lead

Redmond, WA

$173K/yr

Reality Labs is seeking an experienced engineer to support research scale semiconductor fab and ... thin-film deposition, or photolithography process development * Experience adhering to and ...

New

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Seattle, WA

Credits on major feature films or high-profile episodic VFX (think tentpole-scale, not just indie ... Background in computer vision or image processing (optical flow, segmentation, depth estimation ...

Allegion

Frontline Leader (Welding)

Snoqualmie, WA · On-site

Interact closely with quality auditors, process engineers, scheduler, and other support staff to ... Proficiency with MIG, TIG and thin gauge welding techniques required. * Proficiency with sanding ...

Allegion

Frontline Leader (Welding)

Snoqualmie, WA

Interact closely with quality auditors, process engineers, scheduler, and other support staff to ... Proficiency with MIG, TIG and thin gauge welding techniques required. * Proficiency with sanding ...

Allegion

Frontline Leader (Welding)

Snoqualmie, WA · On-site

Interact closely with quality auditors, process engineers, scheduler, and other support staff to ... Proficiency with MIG, TIG and thin gauge welding techniques required. * Proficiency with sanding ...

Nvidia

Senior Research Scientist, Rendering

Redmond, WA

$110K - $140K/yr

... engineer, or applied researcher. * Track record of high-quality artifacts containing your work---shipped games, films, or publications/presentations on path tracing, sampling, lighting, denoising ...

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Thin Films Process Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$56.3K

$104.7K

$162.2K

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for thin films process engineer in Seattle, WA is $104,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $117,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Thin Films Process Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Seattle, WA? For Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Thin Films Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,719 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Meta

Redmond, WA

$122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 241 rated software companies

Job description

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist, with experience in waveguide fabrication and process development, to advance optical systems research for next-generation augmented reality devices and advanced computing systems. In this role, you will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical engineering — directly contributing to the hardware that will power Meta's AR glasses and displays. This is a fundamental research role driving a long-term research roadmap to establish the feasibility of breakthrough optical technologies for future product generations.
Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates
  • Perform nanostructure patterning using e-beam lithography, stepper lithography, and nanoimprint lithography techniques
  • Develop and characterize dry etch and wet etch processes for precision waveguide fabrication
  • Deposit dielectric thin films using sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and e-beam evaporation techniques
  • Perform metrology and characterization using AFM, SEM, optical profilometry, and spectroscopic methods
  • Collaborate with optical designers, materials scientists, and integration teams to translate design requirements into manufacturing processes
  • Document, develop standard operating procedures, and contribute to IP generation
  • Identify and troubleshoot yield-limiting defects and process excursions
  • Support technology transfer from R&D to pilot-scale and high-volume manufacturing

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
  • Hands-on experience with nanofabrication techniques, including E-beam lithography, optical steppers, and dry/plasma etching
  • Experience with thin-film deposition methods (sputtering, ALD, or e-beam evaporation)
  • Proficiency with metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, and optical characterization systems
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and optimizing fabrication processes from development through qualification

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Fundamental understanding of light-matter interaction, photonic nanostructures, and device physics
  • Knowledge of optical thin-film design and coating characterization
  • Experience scaling processes from R&D prototyping to pilot production
  • Background in AR/VR optics, holographic optical elements, surface-relief gratings, or photonic devices
  • Familiarity with organic/polymer substrates and their processing challenges (thermal budget, CTE mismatch, surface energy). Experience with nanoimprint lithography (NIL) or roll-to-roll patterning
  • Experience fabricating diffractive optical elements, waveguides, or photonic structures

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$122,000/year to $181,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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