Coating Engineer

Jaime Howley; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly profit-sharing bonus (~25%)

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan with employer match

Generous PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance and continuous学习

Job summary

Precision Talent Partners, LLC is seeking a Coating Engineer in the Rochester, NY area to join its advanced engineering team. The position focuses on developing and optimizing optical thin-film coatings for aerospace, defense, and next-generation technologies, from DUV to MIR applications.

You will lead R&D initiatives, implement new coating procedures, perform root-cause analyses for yield issues, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Materials Science, Physics, or Engineering.
• Knowledge of optical thin-film coating processes (e-beam, ion-assisted deposition, sputtering).
• Strong mechanical aptitude, including tooling and fixture design capability.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process optimization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and implement new cleaning and coating procedures for precision optical components.
• Lead R&D initiatives to create new thin-film coatings meeting spectral, mechanical, and environmental performance targets.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for yield or quality issues.
• Analyze data and propose process improvements to enhance efficiency and throughput.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to drive innovation.
• Train and mentor coating technicians to ensure process consistency and excellence.

Skills

Data analysis

Process optimization

Communication skills

Manufacturing environment

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

E-beam coating

Ion-assisted deposition

Sputtering

Job description

Coating Engineer

Location: Rochester, NY area (primarily on-site; occasional travel for technical collaboration or training)

Industry: Precision Optics / Advanced Manufacturing / Aerospace & Defense

Reports to: Director of Optical Engineering or Coating Department Manager

Compensation: Base salary commensurate with experience (estimated range: $90,000-120,000) plus 25% profit-sharing bonus, full benefits, and tuition assistance

About the Opportunity

A leading U.S.-based precision optics manufacturer is seeking a Coating Engineer to join its advanced engineering team. The company develops optical components that enable innovations in aerospace, defense, and next-generation technologies — from deep-ultraviolet (DUV) applications to infrared (MIR) systems.

This role is ideal for an engineer with strong technical curiosity, analytical thinking, and a passion for developing cutting-edge optical thin-film coatings that meet demanding spectral and environmental requirements.

Why This Role Is Unique

This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on product performance and innovation at a company known for its collaborative, people-first culture. You’ll work hands-on in a clean, high-tech environment, developing and optimizing thin-film coating processes that shape technologies used in satellites, defense systems, and advanced imaging platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and implement new cleaning and coating procedures for precision optical components.
• Lead R&D initiatives to create new thin-film coatings meeting spectral, mechanical, and environmental performance targets.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for yield or quality issues.
• Analyze data and propose process improvements to enhance efficiency and throughput.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to drive innovation.
• Train and mentor coating technicians to ensure process consistency and excellence.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Materials Science, Physics, or Engineering.
• Knowledge of optical thin-film coating processes (e.g., e-beam, ion-assisted deposition, sputtering).
• Strong mechanical aptitude, including tooling and fixture design capability.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process optimization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience designing optical coatings for DUV to MIR applications.
• Understanding of thin-film modeling and simulation software.
• Background in precision optics or semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Leadership or training experience in a technical setting.

Compensation & Benefits

• Monthly profit-sharing bonus (~25%).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Generous PTO and holidays.
• Tuition assistance and continuous learning support.
• Life and disability insurance, HSA options.

Precision Talent Partners, LLC values diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Employment is at-will, and this job description does not constitute a contract of employment.