Optical Coating Engineer — Precision Optics

IDEX Corporation; Whetstone; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

CVI Infrared Optics is seeking an Optical Coating Engineer to join our Coating Department in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. You will support production activities, apply coating knowledge, and help meet delivery schedules and quality targets.

Working with a skilled team, you will ensure products meet customer specifications while contributing to continuous improvement and new product development. The role emphasizes high standards of quality, efficiency and attention to detail, with

Qualifications

• 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.

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 escalation 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.
• 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.

Job description

CVI Infrared Optics is seeking an Optical Coating Engineer to join our Coating Department in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. You will support production activities, apply coating knowledge, and help meet delivery schedules and quality targets.

Working with a skilled team, you will ensure products meet customer specifications while contributing to continuous improvement and new product development. The role emphasizes high standards of quality, efficiency and attention to detail, with