Lead Coating Engineer

Atln; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Attalon in Richmond, CA is seeking an experienced Optical Coating Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of new thin‑film coating products and processes. You will drive process ownership, ensure robust controls, and support production with hands‑on troubleshooting and tooling decisions.

The role requires deep expertise in thin film deposition, measurement techniques, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver high-quality coatings for aerospace and government programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years related experience, preferably in thin film coating engineering and at an aerospace company. 5 years with an advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and execution of thin‑film deposition processes; ensure designs meet customer requirements and create supporting documentation, test procedures, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Troubleshoot coating‑operation issues, identify root causes using analytical techniques, and provide clear corrective action updates.
• Develop methods and operate precision optical test equipment to measure thin‑film coating properties.
• Assist in designing and procuring tooling for coating processes.
• Support maintenance teams in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and repair procedures.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to deliver projects on time and with high quality.

Skills

Thin film coating engineering

Technical communication

Education

Bachelors in physics/optics/materials science/engineering

Tools

TFCalc

Macleod

SolidWorks

Job description

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Full Time Richmond, CA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1022

Salary Range: $100,625.00 To $178,050.00 Annually

The Attalon Integrated Optical Systems business unit is a precision optics and optical assemblies design and manufacturing group that specializes in ultra-precision optical components and coatings. Applications include semiconductor and flat-panel display manufacturing, ground and space-based telescopes, defense systems and other exotic scientific and government-sponsored programs. We are seeking an experienced Optical Coating Engineer to join our team!

The Optical Coating Engineer leads the technical team and drives the design, development, and implementation of new thin‑film coating products and manufacturing processes. This role covers all aspects of coating engineering, including coating and tooling design, process development, qualification, documentation, and hands‑on support of coating operations such as substrate preparation, deposition, inspection, and characterization. The engineer also serves as the Process Owner, ensuring robust process controls, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining consistent, high‑quality production output.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and execution of thin‑film deposition processes; ensure designs meet customer requirements and create supporting documentation, test procedures, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Troubleshoot coating‑operation issues, identify root causes using analytical techniques, and provide clear corrective action updates.
• Develop methods and operate precision optical test equipment to measure thin‑film coating properties.
• Assist in designing and procuring tooling for coating processes.
• Support maintenance teams in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and repair procedures.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to deliver projects on time and with high quality.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience, preferably in thin film coating engineering and at an aerospace company. 5 years with an advanced degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with thin film deposition technologies (thermal and e‑beam evaporation, sputtering, CVD) and related tooling design; strong understanding of process physics and mechanics.
• Experience with thin film modeling software (TFCalc, Macleod, etc.).
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Access, and basic CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong technical communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to read and interpret shop blueprints and customer drawings.
• Experience with process design, development, and project planning (preferred).

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $100,625.00 - 178,050.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.