Coating Engineer (Thin Films)

Company: Rochester Precision Optics LLC
Location: West Henrietta
Posted on: February 9, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Title Coating Engineer (Thin Films) Department Coating Reports to Coating Manager SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO! RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Rochester area, RPO offers exciting career paths to work on market-leading programs across a variety of industries. Job Summary: The Coating Engineer position is responsible for supporting the vacuum thin film coating manufacturing of both catalog and specialty optical components and includes interacting with other engineers and manufacturing staff. This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, forward-thinking individual to work in a fun, fast-paced environment. You Will: Support the manufacturing of PVD thin film coatings in all directions. Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing to ensure successful implementation of coating designs. Provide technical support to Operations on proper substrate handling, cleaning techniques, coating materials, coating designs, coating tools and continuous improvement of manufacturing methods. Assist manufacturing staff in the operation and utilization of metrology instruments for thin film characterization. Identifying and diagnosing issues on the production floor, as well as collecting and preparing supporting data, especially with regards to coating equipment and processes. Provide management with technical tradeoffs and risks pertaining to project work as well as general engineering efforts such that management may make informed decisions. Improves coating designs and processes for manufacturability, performance, and cost. Leads root cause analysis / corrective action activities for coating related processes. Trains technicians on the execution of optical coating manufacturing processes. Monitors and drives continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. Supports troubleshooting of existing optical coating equipment and processes. You Have: Bachelor of Science in Optical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or alternatively Physics or Materials Science. Minimum of 2 years experience in optical thin film coating design and manufacturing. Proficiency in optical thin film deposition, optical monitoring, high vacuum technology, optical measurements, process controls and management. Familiar with optical testing such as spectrophotometry, stress measurements, environmental testing and laser damage. Proficiency in coating design software and optical simulation tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple complex projects. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent computer skills – Email, MS Word, MS Excel, ERP system Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and engineering specs You Are: Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up; Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge; Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail; Analytical: Possess a “If there’s a problem, I’ll find a solution” attitude; Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members; Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills; A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive ‘get things done’ attitude; A U.S. Person: Compliant with ITAR, EAR and other laws and regulations as defined: “U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty.” You Will Enjoy: Growth: The opportunity to learn and advance your career; Wealth: Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance, a 401(k) with company match; Wellness: Health, dental, vision & life insurance; Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick -time; Culture: an energetic, caring, fun, value-driven team. Environment & Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle or feel: and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch: and talk and hear The job may involve prolonged periods of sitting/standing. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May involve prolonged periods of magnified inspection (eye strain). Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp. Subject to some soilage and irritation from cleaning solutions. (Lab Coats provided) Generally, works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such. Safety Glasses are required and may require area specific safety training. This position works in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne paper particles. May work at different workstations as production needs require, or shifts from one station to another, during the production process. Disclaimer: This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people. EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm

Keywords: Rochester Precision Optics LLC, West Seneca , Coating Engineer (Thin Films), Engineering , West Henrietta, New York