Senior Optical Coatings Engineer: Thin‑Film Innovation Lead

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

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.