Junior Coatings Scientist PECVD DLC

ARMORLUBE LLC; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct mentorship from industry experts

Collaborative R&D environment

Job summary

ARMORLUBE LLC is seeking a detail-oriented Junior Coatings Scientist in Tucson, Arizona, to join their advanced materials development team. This role offers hands-on mentorship in thin-film deposition and advanced plasma physics. You will assist in equipment commissioning, system validation, and process development in a collaborative R&D environment.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant STEM field and a strong understanding of materials science. Join us in deploying and qualifying new industrial technology.

Qualifications

• Strong foundational understanding of materials characterization and thin-film concepts.
• Comfort working around mechanical hardware and vacuum systems.
• Excellent data collection and documentation habits.

Responsibilities

• Assist in commissioning and testing new PECVD hardware.
• Participate in equipment validation protocols and troubleshooting.
• Assist in designing and optimizing PECVD coating recipes.

Skills

Materials characterization

Surface science

Thin-film concepts

Mechanical hardware

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Junior Coatings Scientist to join our advanced materials development team. In this role, you will work directly alongside a Senior Scientist to develop, optimize, and scale cutting‑edge Plasma‑Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) processes, with a primary focus on Diamond‑Like Carbon (DLC) coatings.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate or early‑career professional to gain hands‑on, expert mentorship in thin‑film deposition, advanced plasma physics, and industrial surface engineering. You will play a vital role in taking new deposition systems from initial power‑on through comprehensive process validation, directly contributing to the growth of our production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Commissioning & Turn‑on: Assist senior engineering staff in the physical installation, initial powering, and sub‑system testing of new PECVD and vacuum deposition hardware.
• System Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ): Participate in structured equipment validation protocols, including vacuum leak testing, gas flow calibration, power supply tuning, and plasma stability testing.
• Process Development & Scaling: Assist the Senior Scientist in designing, running, and optimizing PECVD coating recipes and surface preparation to achieve targeted mechanical, tribological, and structural properties.
• Analytical Characterization: Perform routine thin‑film characterization to evaluate coating quality, including thickness, hardness, adhesion (scratch testing), friction coefficients, and microstructure.
• Data Analysis & Documentation: Meticulously log validation metrics, process parameters, and analytical test results to build a robust baseline for new machinery.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Assist in diagnosing hardware anomalies during the commissioning phase, monitoring plasma stability, and establishing baseline preventive maintenance routines.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• Core Knowledge: Strong foundational understanding of materials characterization, surface science, and thin‑film concepts.
• Hands‑on Aptitude: Comfort working around mechanical hardware, vacuum systems, gas delivery lines, or high‑power electronics.
• Methodical Execution: High attention to detail required for following strict equipment startup sequences, validation checklists, and safety protocols.
• Analytical Mindset: Excellent data collection and documentation habits; proficiency with technical writing and data analysis.

Preferred (Nice‑to‑Have)

• Direct undergraduate or internship experience with vacuum technology, plasma processing, or physical/chemical vapor deposition (PVD/CVD).
• Familiarity with equipment validation procedures, sensor calibration, or mass flow controller (MFC) verification.
• Basic understanding of plasma diagnostics, power matching, or hollow cathode technology.

What We Offer

• Direct mentorship from industry‑leading experts in DLC and advanced plasma technology.
• A fast‑paced, collaborative R&D environment using state‑of‑the‑art industrial coating systems.
• High‑impact experience involved in the ground‑up deployment and qualification of new industrial technology.