Thin Film Coating Specialist; vacuum deposition coating systems

POSITION PURPOSE

The Thin Film Coating Specialist is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of manual and computer-controlled ion-assisted physical vapor deposition (PVD) vacuum coating systems used to apply precision optical thin film coatings to optical components and assemblies.

This position supports the production of high-performance visible and infrared optical coatings including anti-reflective (AR), beamsplitter, mirror, filter, and conductive coatings for commercial, industrial, aerospace, and defense applications.

The operator will work from coating run sheets, process travelers, engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure coatings meet optical, cosmetic, and environmental performance requirements.

• Operate manual and automated vacuum deposition coating systems including:
• Electron beam evaporation systems
• Optical monitoring systems (if applicable)
• Read, understand, and follow:
• Coating run sheets
• Manufacturing travelers
• Work instructions
• MIL-Spec and customer specifications
• Prepare coating chambers for production including:
• Chamber cleaning
• Fixture and tooling preparation
• Material loading
• Shield installation
• Substrate loading and alignment
• Perform coating deposition operations including:
• Pump down and leak checking
• Process parameter verification
• Deposition rate control
• Ion source operation and tuning
• Optical or crystal monitor operation
• Process documentation and recording
• Inspect coated optics for:
• Basic spectral compliance
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on vacuum coating systems including:
• Cleaning chambers and fixtures
• Basic troubleshooting of vacuum and deposition systems
• Monitoring system performance and reporting issues
• Maintain compliance with:
• Quality procedures
• Cleanliness requirements
• ESD procedures
• Safety policies
• ITAR/export-controlled material handling requirements
• Work closely with:
• Manufacturing
• Quality Assurance
• Maintenance personnel
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to:
• Yield
• Throughput
• Process repeatability
• Coating performance

• Product yield and rework rates
• Daily and monthly production throughput
• Coating quality and cosmetic acceptance
• Schedule adherence
• Equipment uptime and cleanliness
• Compliance with process documentation requirements
• Reduction of scrap and coating defects

• Must be a U. S. Citizen
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Highly prefer Associates Degree, Technical training or applicable coursework in optics, vacuum technology, electronics, materials science, or related field preferred coupled with
  :
• 5-10 years' experience as a Thin Film Coating Technician

• Ability to interpret:
• Engineering instructions
• Process documentation
• Specifications and travelers

• Understanding of vacuum system operation and fundamentals
• Knowledge of thin film deposition processes and optical coatings
• Familiarity with:
• Deposition rate control
• Basic optical coating terminology

• Hands-on experience operating optical thin film coating equipment
• Experience with ion-assisted deposition strongly preferred
• Experience coating precision optics for visible or infrared applications preferred
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or military optical manufacturing environment preferred

• Strong mechanical and/or Electrical aptitude
• High attention to detail and cleanliness
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a production environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work around vacuum equipment, high voltage systems, and elevated platforms
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle precision optical components and tooling
• Ability to wear appropriate PPE as required

• Manufacturing and cleanroom environment
• Exposure to vacuum systems, solvents, and coating materials
• May require overtime or shift work based on production schedules

• Must be eligible to work with export-controlled information and materials in accordance with ITAR regulations
• U.S. Person status is required

Optex Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind:
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