Coating Technician

IDEX Corporation; Whetstone; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX Corporation in the United Kingdom is seeking an Optical Coating Engineer to support production by applying coating knowledge and ensuring delivery, quality, and yield. You will work with the coating department to meet customer specifications and contribute to continuous improvement and new product development.

The role involves operating coating processes across multiple plants, maintaining documentation, inspecting components, and using spectrophotometers to assess coating performance,

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and practical skills.
• Ability to work accurately to tight tolerances and specifications.
• Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively in a team.
• Flexibility to work a rotating shift pattern.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage multiple coating processes across at least two coating plants.
• Complete and maintain production documentation, route cards, and process records.
• Use spectrophotometers and other measuring equipment to assess coating performance.
• Monitor coating processes and identify issues, taking corrective action.
• Identify coating defects and understand causes and prevention methods.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and coating requirements.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving

Precision

Teamwork

Shift work

Tools

Spectrophotometer

Coating equipment

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Optical Coating Engineer to join our Coating Department. This role is responsible for supporting production activities by applying optical coating knowledge and expertise to help meet customer delivery schedules, quality standards, and yield targets.

Working as part of a skilled team, you will play an important role in ensuring products meet customer specifications while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and supporting new product development. The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate high standards of quality, efficiency, and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and manage multiple coating processes across at least two coating plants within the department.
• Complete and maintain all required production documentation, route cards, and process records accurately.
• Use spectrophotometers and other measuring equipment to assess coating performance and product compliance.
• Monitor coating processes and identify potential issues during production, taking appropriate corrective action where required.
• Identify coating defects such as spatter, striae, delamination, lint marks, comet marks, and other imperfections, understanding their causes and methods of prevention.
• Apply relevant Surface Quality Specifications and quality requirements when inspecting coated products.
• Inspect components prior to coating, ensuring they are suitable for processing and handled safely and cleanly throughout.
• Select and assess appropriate coating fixtures and jigs, considering factors such as clear aperture, dimensions, and condition.
• Determine suitable witness samples and test pieces to maximise efficiency and compliance with customer quality requirements.
• Measure witness samples and produce customer copies where required, working from quality plans, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Carry out routine preventative maintenance activities on equipment and process control systems.
• Identify potential issues with coating plants or measuring equipment and elevate concerns to the appropriate support teams.
• Perform coating chamber clean-downs, inspections, and reassembly activities while following all health and safety requirements.
• Develop the knowledge and expertise required to assess when test runs are necessary and minimise unnecessary processing.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment at all times.
• Work in accordance with company Quality Management Systems, procedures, and ISO requirements.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and coating requirements.
• Clean and prepare a variety of optical materials and substrates.
• Support the training and development of colleagues across the coating department where appropriate.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Follow all site health, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Promptly report any hazards, near misses, incidents, or unsafe conditions.
• Ensure compliance with all quality control procedures and company standards.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, efficient, and quality-focused working environment.

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good practical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work accurately to tight tolerances and specifications.
• Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work a rotating shift pattern.

Desirable

• Experience working in a manufacturing, engineering, optical, or precision production environment.
• Cleanroom experience.
• Experience operating coating equipment or other technical production machinery.
• Knowledge of optical coatings, surface quality standards, or related processes.

Physical Requirements

This role involves hands-on production activities and may require:

• Transporting optics and components between work areas.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Manual handling activities in line with company procedures.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career within a specialist optical manufacturing environment. With training provided, allowing you to build valuable technical skills while working with advanced coating technologies as part of a supportive and experienced team.

Location: Whetstone, Leicestershire
Shift Pattern:

• 6:00am to 2:00pm
• 2:00pm to 10:00pm

Earlier finishes on Friday.