Thin Film Engineer

Materion Corporation; United States; Remote; USD 77,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Materion Corporation in Westford, MA is seeking a Thin Film Engineer to join the Precision Optics and Thin Film Coatings team. You will develop optical thin film designs and create manufacturing plans while supporting existing PVD processes.

Ideal candidates bring a technical degree, up to 3 years' experience, and expertise with metrology like spectrophotometry and interferometry; proficiency with MS Project and ERP documentation is a plus. Join a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience.
• 0-3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing process development or optics preferred.
• Experience with metrology equipment such as spectrophotometry and interferometry.
• Proficient with MS Project or similar scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and optimize optical thin film coatings to meet customer specs.
• Create detailed manufacturing plans for new product opportunities.
• Provide process engineering support to manufacturing.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve quality.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, QA, EHS and R&D on process improvements.
• Mentor technicians on optimized processes and best practices.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independence

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

MS Project

ERP systems

Spectrophotometry

Interferometry

Job description

At Materion, everyone is included, respected and offered opportunity to grow. Join us!

Materion is seeking a Thin Film Engineer to join our rapidly growing Precision Optics and Thin Film Coatings team located in Westford, MA. Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical skills, the ability to perform complex problem solving, and a passion for continued education and learning opportunities. The position also requires the ability to adapt to competing priorities, be able to operate both independently and within a team environment and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

% Time Spent

Primary job duties

35%

Develop, design and optimize optical thin film coating designs to meet customer specifications

Create detailed manufacturing plans for new product opportunities

Provide process engineering support, guidance and instruction to support manufacturing

25%

Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Ensures all necessary process documentation exists and reside in ERP. Oversees and validates SPC, process trouble shooting, MRB investigations and continuous improvement recommendations.

20%

Collaborate with Sales, Production, QA, EHS and R&D teams to integrate innovative solutions and ensure alignment on process improvements. Facilitate effective communication, drive projects and status updates to achieve common goals.

10%

Mentor and train technicians and operators on optimized processes and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the team.

10%

Establish & monitor integrated project schedule to include all phases of development. Develop & track projects using Microsoft Project or similar project scheduling tool. Demonstrate ability to establish & track project budget through entire development cycle.

100%

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline (Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar technical discipline) or equivalent experience in engineering and process development.
• 0- 3 years of Engineering experience in manufacturing process development, optics or optical coating technologies is preferred.
• Understand and operate metrology equipment used for characterizing thin films, including spectrophotometry and interferometry
• Experience in a low volume / high mix product environment is an asset
• Exhibit sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel at all levels, customers and suppliers
• Experience with SPC, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing skills in problem solving, statistics, manufacturing quality, and quality principles
• Ability to understand, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and MS Project or similar planning software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SPC tools, DOE, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone).
• Track record of successful project management experience, leading multiple projects simultaneously
• Background in high-mix, low-volume production environments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary range: $77,200-101,325
The salary range listed is a guide for this position and may vary depending on experience, education, geographic location, and other qualifications. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate’s individual merits and the company’s compensation policies.

This position may require the eligibility to obtain a security clearance. Non-US citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. For individuals to be considered for a security clearance, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), conducts personnel security background investigations for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. More information about security clearances can be found on the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) website here: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/adjudications/

The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The candidate selected will have to qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Materion’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Materion’s business requirements.

Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Materion's Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans in the workplace. We honor all those who have served and are a military friendly company. Veterans are encouraged to apply and military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.