About the role

Thin Film Coating Specialist Position Summary: Seeking a hands-on Thin Film Coating Specialist to operate and maintain vacuum coating equipment used to apply precision optical coatings to components for commercial, industrial, aerospace, and defense applications.
Responsibilities: Operate manual and automated PVD vacuum coating systems Work with electron beam evaporation and ion-assisted deposition (IAD) systems Prepare coating chambers, fixtures, tooling, and optical substrates Perform pump-down, leak checks, source conditioning, and deposition operations Monitor and control deposition rates and process parameters Inspect coated optics for cosmetic quality, uniformity, and defects Perform routine equipment cleaning and preventative maintenance Troubleshoot basic vacuum and deposition equipment issues Follow coating run sheets, travelers, engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications Maintain quality, cleanliness, ESD, and safety requirements Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and maintenance teams Support improvements in production yield, throughput, and coating quality Qualifications: High school diploma/GED required Technical training or associate degree in optics, vacuum technology, electronics, materials science, or related field preferred Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude Ability to read and follow technical documentation Strong attention to detail and cleanliness Ability to work independently in a manufacturing/cleanroom environment Preferred Experience: Optical thin film coating equipment Ion-assisted deposition (IAD) Vacuum systems and pumps Quartz crystal monitoring Optical coatings for visible or infrared applications Aerospace, defense, or military optical manufacturing Physical Requirements: Stand for extended periods Lift up to 40 lbs. occasionally Work around vacuum equipment, high voltage systems, solvents, and coating materials Handle precision optical components and tooling Additional Requirements: Must be eligible to work with ITAR/export-controlled materials U.S. Citizen

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