PVD Process Development Engineer - Thin-Film Coatings Yield

Ionbond - IHI Group; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ionbond – The Surface Engineers™ is seeking a Thin-Film PVD Process Development Engineer in Chicago, IL. You’ll work on production floors, develop coatings with R&D, and analyze data to lift yield and throughput, blending hands-on experiments with structured problem-solving.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, ISO 9001 quality practices, Lean methods, and driving continuous improvement across programs and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science/Metallurgy, or Plasma Physics.
• 3+ years of experience in the vacuum coating field with specialization in thin film coatings.
• Hands-on experience with PVD coatings and coating systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D quality standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills using 8D, Fishbone, and Five Whys.
• Experience with the APQP approach, including PFMEA and Control Plans.
• Mechanical design skills and proficiency in AutoCAD or similar CAD tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational strength.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 10%).

Responsibilities

• Act as a key technical resource for PVD coating operations, planning, mentoring, and coaching through all steps of surface engineered solution production.
• Partner closely with the Plant Manager to develop applications and scale major programs from concept through stable production.
• Use statistical techniques to improve process capability and apply failure analysis methodologies to investigate root causes.
• Recommend and implement equipment and process modifications and upgrades that drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain Ionbond’s Quality Management System to ISO 9001:2016 standards and train plant personnel on procedures.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing methods, including 5S, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping, to optimize flow, volume, and quality yields.
• Lead and contribute to small- and medium-sized projects, from planning through execution and sustainment.
• Perform other related duties as needed to support a high-performing operation.

Skills

PVD coatings

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Materials Science/Metallurgy/Plasma Physics

Tools

AutoCAD

ERP software

Job description

Ionbond – The Surface Engineers™ is seeking a Thin-Film PVD Process Development Engineer in Chicago, IL. You’ll work on production floors, develop coatings with R&D, and analyze data to lift yield and throughput, blending hands-on experiments with structured problem-solving.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, ISO 9001 quality practices, Lean methods, and driving continuous improvement across programs and processes.