Thin Film Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

12 paid holidays

15 paid vacation days

Parental leave

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. seeks a Thin Film Engineer for its Newport operations to design, develop, and test optical surface treatments. You will report to the Director of Thin Film Engineering and collaborate with the Thin Film Coating team on ion beam sputtering, etching, and photolithography processes.

The role emphasizes problem solving, documentation, and hands-on support for equipment and technicians, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering with 2+ years of in-depth experience in a thin film manufacturing environment.
• Interest in troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes.
• Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime.
• Identifying root causes of defects and implementing corrective actions.
• Supporting the team with process documentation and formalizing work instructions.
• Training technicians and machine maintenance personnel to support coating operations.

Skills

Thin film manufacturing

Troubleshooting

Communication

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop, manufacture and test optical surface treatments. In this role, you will report to the Director of Thin Film Engineering.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Developing, designing and optimizing optical surface treatments and processes to meet requirements and specifications, for ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes, surface etching and/or photolithography for our Thin Film Coatings group
• Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime
• Identifying root causes of defects, implementing corrective actions to address those issues, and continuously promoting improvement, quality and cost
• Supporting the team with process documentation and formalizing work instructions
• Supporting the coating process through training technicians and machine maintenance personnel

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering with 2+ years of in-depth experience in a thin film manufacturing environment
• Interest in troubleshooting and problem solving
• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Remain in a stationary position for 30% of the time
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Occasionally moves/positions up to 10 pounds
• Operate in a professional office and laboratory environment

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Pay Range: $80,000 to $100,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
• Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
• Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds.

However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

At MKS, it is all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It’s not just a job – it’s what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on-the-job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS – ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn’t just a nice-to-have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us.

Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We’re the behind-the-scenes support for some amazing technology. MKS Inc., enables technologies that transform our world.