About the Role
The Coating Engineer provides engineering support for vacuum thin-film coating processes used in the manufacturing of optical components, working closely with other engineers and manufacturing staff.
Responsibilities
- Provide engineering support for PVD optical coating production, spanning development, production support, and process sustainment.
- Collaborate with design and 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.
- Raise individual performance to a level that results in proactive responses to problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Perform other related duties and assignments as required to support evolving business needs.
Requirements
- Must possess experience related to troubleshooting and repairing optical coating chambers.
- Availability outside of normal business hours to answer technical related questions.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear.
- Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel.
- Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.
Skills
- 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.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Strong time management skills.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in optical, electrical, manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
