Coating Manufacturing Engineer

CVI Infrared Optics; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX Corporation through its CVI unit is seeking a Coating Manufacturing Engineer to provide hands-on support for thin-film optical coating processes, focusing on IBS and E-beam deposition. You will troubleshoot defects, optimize yields, and drive improvements with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams.

The role involves documenting processes, supporting new product introductions, and mentoring technicians to ensure reliable production while maintaining cleanroom safety and containment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or similar environment.
• Experience troubleshooting production processes and implementing improvements.
• Knowledge of thin-film deposition, high-vacuum systems, PVD, or related processes.
• Experience with root cause analysis, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, routers, and BOMs.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA knowledge; CAD or programming tools helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily engineering support for optical coating manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot defects, equipment issues, and deviations to minimize disruptions.
• Investigate nonconformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor production data and parameters to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation and process controls.
• Support new product introductions and transitioning products to production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and meet delivery commitments.
• Guide technicians on coating processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Advance safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements in manufacturing.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

CAD

Statistical software

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses (https://www.idexcorp.com/our-businesses/business-segments/) around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

Overview

The Coating Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on engineering support for thin-film optical coating manufacturing, with a focus on maintaining stable production processes, troubleshooting issues, and improving quality, yield, and efficiency. This role supports Ion-Beam Sputtering (IBS) and E-beam Evaporation processes, working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to resolve production challenges and implement sustainable improvements.

The position also supports new product introductions, process documentation, and technician training to ensure reliable, repeatable manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily engineering support for optical coating manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot coating defects, equipment issues, and process deviations to minimize production disruptions.
• Investigate manufacturing nonconformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor production data, process parameters, and performance metrics to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce scrap, rework, cycle times, and manufacturing costs.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, routers, BOMs, and process controls.
• Support new product introductions by establishing manufacturing processes, validating parameters, and transitioning products into production.
• Partner cross-functionally to resolve production issues and support delivery commitments.
• Provide technical guidance and training to technicians on coating processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Support equipment and tooling improvements to enhance manufacturing reliability and process capability.
• Manage assigned improvement projects, including timelines, resource requirements, and communication of progress.
• Promote safe manufacturing practices and ensure compliance with established safety and cleanroom requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience troubleshooting production processes, analyzing manufacturing data, and implementing process improvements.
• Knowledge of thin-film deposition, high-vacuum systems, PVD, or related precision manufacturing processes.
• Experience with root cause analysis, statistical process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with manufacturing documentation, engineering drawings, routers, and BOMs.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, or related process improvement tools.
• Familiarity with CAD, statistical analysis software, or programming tools used in manufacturing environments.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong hands-on troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to production issues and prioritize manufacturing needs.
• Strong collaboration skills across Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Planning.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, customer specifications, and manufacturing data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and technician training.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of issues, and follow through on corrective actions.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Adaptability, sound judgment, and commitment to teamwork and company values.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in manufacturing and cleanroom environments, with some office activities.
• Regular interaction with coating equipment, high-vacuum systems, tooling, and precision optical components.
• Requires adherence to safety procedures, contamination control protocols, and PPE requirements.
• Requires standing, walking, repetitive hand movements, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Primarily day shift, with occasional off-hours support for critical production needs.

Additional Requirement

Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer

IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.

Job Family

Engineering

Business Unit

CVI