Senior Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Ramsey; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technology company is seeking a Sr. Scientist to lead R&D for advanced optical coatings in Ramsey, England. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of hands-on experience in R&D or manufacturing, a Master's or PhD in a relevant field, and proven expertise with vacuum deposition systems. This role includes responsibilities for technical leadership and collaboration with global teams, offering a competitive salary of $120,000+ annually and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

401K plans

PTO and Paid Holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a hands-on R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with vacuum deposition systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D for advanced optical coatings using physical vapor deposition.
• Plan and coordinate manufacturing-scale experiments.
• Provide technical guidance and training to engineers.

Skills

Hands-on R&D experience

Technical project leadership

Optical thin film coatings knowledge

Vacuum deposition systems maintenance

Education

MS or PhD in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Join The Hoya Vision Care Team!

For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a passionate leader in optical technology innovation. As a manufacturer of high quality, high performing eyeglass lenses, we continuously aim to bring the best possible vision care solutions to eye care professionals.

We are currently hiring a Sr. Scientist to work in our Ramsey, MN facility! The salary for this position is $120,000+ plus annual incentive.

What’s in it for you?

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401K plans
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• And more!

What you’ll do:

• Lead R&D for advanced optical coatings using physical vapor deposition (e-beam evaporation, sputtering), including modeling, design, and process optimization.
• Serve as a technical owner for vacuum coater systems—performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and hands-on repairs when necessary.
• Plan and execute lab-scale experiments as an individual contributor and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Plan and coordinate manufacturing-scale experiments as part of cross-functional teams.
• Provide technical guidance and training to engineers and technicians on coating processes and equipment.
• Support overseas production teams in scaling and validating new coating processes.
• Prepare technical reports, experimental summaries, and project updates for internal reviews and stakeholder briefings.
• Stay up to date with industry advancements by reviewing scientific literature and patents.
• Collaborate globally with R&D, Product Management, and Operations to integrate coating innovations into commercial products.
• This role is primarily technical but includes leadership responsibilities within the coating development team. Future advancement may include direct supervisory duties.

Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a hands-on R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with vacuum deposition systems, including direct involvement in system maintenance and repair.
• Strong background in optical thin film coatings and process development.
• Experience with electron beam evaporation is a plus.
• Modeling of thin film designs is required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor peers or junior staff.
• Experience transferring new technologies from R&D into production environments.
• Familiarity with stage-gate product development frameworks.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% (domestic and international).
• Knowledge of Japanese is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to visually inspect coatings and equipment components.

By applying to this job and providing your mobile number, you are agreeing to receive an initial text from Hoya Vision Care, which you will have the ability to opt out of upon receipt. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.