Coating Engineer

Job Summary:

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 manufacturing staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Provide engineering support for PVD optical coating production, spanning development, production support, and process sustainment.

•    Work closely with design, and other manufacturing teams to transition coating solutions into stable and repeatable production processes.

•    Support Operations through guidance on substrate preparation, cleaning methods, coating materials, process parameters, tooling, and manufacturing improvements.

•    Assist shop-floor personnel with the setup, operation, and interpretation of optical thin-film measurement and characterization tools.

•    Investigate and resolve coating-related challenges in a production setting, including process evaluation, data analysis, and documentation of findings.

•    Present technical considerations, risks, and tradeoffs to leadership to aid project planning and operational decision-making.

•    Enhance coating designs and deposition processes with a focus on yield, performance consistency, scalability, and cost control.

•    Drive problem-solving and corrective action efforts for coating process issues using structured analysis methods.

•    Develop and deliver training to technicians on optical coating processes, equipment use, and standard operating practices.

•    Track process performance and lead initiatives aimed at continuous improvement and manufacturing efficiency.

•    Support the optimization and troubleshooting of optical coating equipment and associated processes.

•    Raises individual performance to a level that results in proactive responses to problem solving and continuous improvement.

•    Performs other related duties and assignments as required, depending on candidate skill set and on an as-needed basis to support evolving business needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate.

Education, Skills and Experience:

•    Bachelor’s degree in optical, electrical, manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

•    Proficiency in optical thin film deposition, optical monitoring, high vacuum technology, optical measurements, process controls and management.

•    Familiar with optical testing such as spectrophotometry, stress measurements, environmental testing and laser damage.

•    Proficiency in coating design software and optical simulation tools.

•    Basic analytical skills, including basic statistical analysis.

•    Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems.

•    Must possess experience related to troubleshooting and repairing optical coating chambers.  

•    Availability outside of normal business hours to answer technical related questions.

•    Good oral and written communication skills.

•    Strong time management skills.

•    Work independently with minimal supervision.