CVI Infrared Optics
Thin Film Coating Engineer
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About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Thin Film Coating Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development, optimisation, and production of advanced thin film coatings used in high-performance optical, electrical, and mechanical applications.
Working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams, you will be responsible for developing robust coating processes, improving product quality, supporting production scale-up activities, and ensuring coatings consistently meet demanding customer specifications.
If you have a passion for vacuum coating technologies, process improvement, and solving complex manufacturing challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Process Development & Optimisation
- Design and develop thin film coating stacks using modelling and simulation software such as Essential Macleod, TFCalc, or OptiLayer.
- Develop and optimise deposition processes using technologies including PVD (sputtering and e-beam evaporation) and/or CVD.
- Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to establish robust process windows and improve process capability.
- Support the transition of new coating designs from development into high-volume production.
- Scale coating processes while maintaining performance, yield, and repeatability.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems for key coating parameters.
- Define and maintain quality standards for raw materials, in-process inspections, and finished products.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and problem-solving methodologies to reduce defects and improve yields.
- Support non-conformance investigations, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA activities, and Material Review Board (MRB) processes.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and management systems, including ISO 9001.
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Testing & Characterisation
- Analyse coating performance using spectrophotometers and other metrology equipment.
- Support calibration, Gauge R&R studies, and maintenance of coating measurement systems.
- Design and oversee environmental and reliability testing, including thermal cycling, humidity, adhesion, and durability assessments.
- Verify coating performance against customer drawings and specifications.
Equipment & Manufacturing Support
- Support the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of vacuum deposition systems.
- Troubleshoot coating equipment, vacuum systems, and process-related issues.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Train and mentor technicians and operators on coating processes and best practices.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to technicians and engineers.
- Work collaboratively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams.
- Participate in regular production and quality reviews to drive improvements in productivity and quality.
- Build strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and external partners.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Follow the site's comprehensive safety regulations, promptly report any risks, hazards or incidents, and ensure a safe workplace by adhering to all established protocols.
- Support company values, ethical conduct and integrity in all activities.
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What We're Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' experience working with industrial vacuum deposition systems.
- Proven experience developing and optimising thin film coating processes in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of coating metrology, process characterisation, and quality systems.
- Experience with statistical process control, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Experience working directly with customers and suppliers.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Understanding of ISO 14001 and Health & Safety requirements.
- Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge coating technologies and advanced manufacturing processes
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Healthcare benefits
- On-site employee benefits
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
This job position requires compliance with EU and/or UK Regulations. Therefore, all employees working in this capacity must meet EU and/or UK citizenship status
Job Family: Engineering
Business Unit: CVI
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