Thin Film Coating Engineer

IDEX; Whetstone; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

Company pension

Healthcare benefits

On-site employee benefits

Professional development

Job summary

CVI Infrared Optics, part of the IDEX MSS platform, is seeking a seasoned Thin Film Coating Engineer to drive development, optimisation and production of advanced thin film coatings for high-performance optics. You will work with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality and Engineering teams to deliver robust coating processes that meet strict specs and scale for high-volume production.

Ideal candidates hold a degree in Materials Science, Physics or Chemical Engineering with 5+ years in industrial vacuum

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master/PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related STEM field
• Minimum 5 years' experience with industrial vacuum deposition systems
• Strong understanding of coating metrology and process characterization
• Experience with SPC, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise thin film coating stacks and deposition processes
• Lead DOE studies to establish robust process windows
• Ensure coatings meet customer specifications and scale for production
• Support quality systems, CAPA, MRB, and supplier collaboration
• Train technicians on coating processes and best practices
• Collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and R&D teams

Skills

Vacuum deposition

Thin film coating

Metrology

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Statistical process control

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Materials Science/Physics/Chemical Engineering degree

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

Essential Macleod

TFCalc

OptiLayer

Job description

“CVI Infrared Optics is a part of the IDEX Materials, Science and Solutions (MSS) platform. Besides our unique capabilities in manufacturing large optics from visible to longwave, we are backed by the combined capabilities of our platform. CVI offers a full spectrum of optical engineering, manufacturing, and assembly expertise. Together we can support all our customers with more engineering expertise, broader capabilities, and extensive manufacturing resources. Since 1982, CVI Infrared Optics has been manufacturing advanced optical components for high performance optronics systems. We have become the leading experts in manufacturing and integration of large optics from visible, and near infrared, to longwave infrared, that can continuously perform in extreme weather climates and harsh conditions.When you need robust optical components and assembly expertise for your mission critical application, we can provide world-class solutions.“About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Thin Film Coating Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development, optimisation, and production of advanced thin film coatings used in high-performance optical, electrical, and mechanical applications.Working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams, you will be responsible for developing robust coating processes, improving product quality, supporting production scale-up activities, and ensuring coatings consistently meet demanding customer specifications.If you have a passion for vacuum coating technologies, process improvement, and solving complex manufacturing challenges, we'd love to hear from you.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess Development & OptimisationDesign and develop thin film coating stacks using modelling and simulation software such as Essential Macleod, TFCalc, or OptiLayer.Develop and optimise deposition processes using technologies including PVD (sputtering and e-beam evaporation) and/or CVD.Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to establish robust process windows and improve process capability.Support the transition of new coating designs from development into high-volume production.Scale coating processes while maintaining performance, yield, and repeatability.Quality & Continuous ImprovementEstablish and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems for key coating parameters.Define and maintain quality standards for raw materials, in-process inspections, and finished products.Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and problem-solving methodologies to reduce defects and improve yields.Support non-conformance investigations, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA activities, and Material Review Board (MRB) processes.Ensure compliance with quality standards and management systems, including ISO 9001.Testing & CharacterisationAnalyse coating performance using spectrophotometers and other metrology equipment.Support calibration, Gauge R&R studies, and maintenance of coating measurement systems.Design and oversee environmental and reliability testing, including thermal cycling, humidity, adhesion, and durability assessments.Verify coating performance against customer drawings and specifications.Equipment & Manufacturing SupportSupport the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of vacuum deposition systems.Troubleshoot coating equipment, vacuum systems, and process-related issues.Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Train and mentor technicians and operators on coating processes and best practices.Leadership & CollaborationProvide technical leadership and guidance to technicians and engineers.Work collaboratively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams.Participate in regular production and quality reviews to drive improvements in productivity and quality.Build strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and external partners.Health, Safety & ComplianceFollow the site's comprehensive safety regulations, promptly report any risks, hazards or incidents, and ensure a safe workplace by adhering to all established protocols.Support company values, ethical conduct and integrity in all activities.What We're Looking ForEssential Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.Minimum 5 years' experience working with industrial vacuum deposition systems.Proven experience developing and optimising thin film coating processes in a manufacturing environment.Strong understanding of coating metrology, process characterisation, and quality systems.Experience with statistical process control, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.DesirableExperience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.Experience working directly with customers and suppliers.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.Understanding of ISO 14001 and Health & Safety requirements.Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution.Why Join Us?Opportunity to work on cutting-edge coating technologies and advanced manufacturing processesCompetitive salaryAnnual bonus scheme25 days annual leave plus Bank HolidaysCompany pension schemeHealthcare benefitsOn-site employee benefitsOpportunities for professional development and career progressionThis job position requires compliance with EU and/or UK Regulations. Therefore, all employees working in this capacity must meet EU and/or UK citizenship status