Thin Film Engineer

About the Company

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

Materion is seeking a Thin Film Engineer for the 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, operate both independently and within a team environment, and multi-task in a fast‑paced environment.

• 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. Ensure all necessary process documentation exists and resides in ERP. Oversee and validate SPC, process troubleshooting, 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar) 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.

• 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.

Salary range: $77,000 – $87,000. 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‑U.S. 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 conducts background investigations for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. More information about security clearances can be found on the DCSA website.

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