Optical Coatings Engineer

Surface Optics Corporation•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Optical coating is the process of depositing thin layers of material onto a mirror, lens or similar surface. These coatings can increase or decrease reflection and change transmission properties. Optical coating engineers work with technicians and other engineers to develop, design, test and manufacture optical components with an eye toward increasing production and maintaining low costs. They participate in and supervise all aspects of coating, including design, process development and documentation, analysis, cleaning and inspection. Engineers in optical coating are responsible for oversight of equipment usage and hands-on work on preventative maintenance, repairs and improvements to coating machinery. The Optical Coatings Engineer will have familiarity with optical coating production process. Understanding of operation, quality assurance, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Capable of design and developing new coating processes. Practices continuous improvement by raising yields, reducing downtime, and documenting. The Optical Coatings Engineer will support production and improve process. This position supports activities for vapor deposition coating processes, including coating design, tooling design, process development, qualification, and process documentation. The Optical Coatings Engineer will also support on-the-floor coating operations including specification, and installation of new equipment, substrate cleaning, deposition, and characterization through either electrical or spectral metrology. The Optical Coatings Engineer will take lead in monitoring of process controls parameters, and support of preventative maintenance programs and repairs for coating equipment. Supports program management and operations personnel with technical guidance on assigned projects. The Optical Coatings Engineer will work for the director of coatings and with skilled technicians, to develop strategies and processes for advanced coating technologies, taking advantage of the inhouse capabilities of 4+ vacuum coating systems, including a 5 meter roll-to-roll chamber. Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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.
The candidate should have technical proficiency in the manufacture of optical components or microelectronics using vacuum system processing as well as proficiency and comfort in interfacing with multiple functions including Product Engineering, Systems Engineering, Quality, Mechanical Design Engineering, Equipment Engineering and Process Engineering.
Knowledge of optical coatings and metrology
Hands on experience with high vacuum equipment and tooling design
Team player with strong verbal, written and communication skills who works well in complex cross-functional situations
Experience with cleaning precision optics
Familiarity with basic principles of vacuum system operations
Familiarity with metrology equipment and characterization techniques used in Optical Coatings
Ability to understand and develop Engineer specifications, drawings and requirements
Ability to understanding chemical safety data and ability to follow safety protocols including the use of Personal Protective Equipment
Experience with vacuum equipment and technology
Hands on experience with optics and optical measurements
Thin film coating design software experience (Filmstar, TF Calc, Optilayer)
Knowledge of materials processing and characterization
Experience with equipment calibration
Self-motivation required for independent research and operations
Strong understanding in advanced math and physics
Strong analytical skills for data analysis
Excellent documentation abilities to record/present test results and process analysis
Strong desire to learn and grow in a challenging field
Patience and determination to perform tasks consistently and completely
Team-player attitude to work within a dynamic group
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.
Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in (Excel, Word, PowerPoint as well as the ability to learn and use engineering and manufacturing software).
Bachelor's degree (B.A/B.S) from four-year College or University in Science or Engineering and 2 plus years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Perform and/or manage production coatings with statistical process control.
Work with a team or alone to prepare, operate and maintain coating equipment.
Clean and inspect optical surfaces.
Evaluate and improve production yields.
Interact with team members and customers to solve quality related issues.
Create work orders based on customer design requirements.
Design coatings and optimize processes. Generate and revise documentation for the manufacturing, inspection, and maintenance procedures.
Reviews specifications for optical coatings, including spectral performance requirements, environmental and chemical exposure requirements, durability and surface quality requirements.
Model and design coatings for manufacture in-house.
Develop optical coatings strategies in conjunction with Product Engineers and Factory and Engineering management.
Develop test protocols, travelers and seek Quality approval in the characterization of flight grade hardware.
Provide Process Ownership of one or more vacuum coating tools using e-beam Evaporation – including writing and certifying work instructions and defining defect reduction/yield improvement plans.
Interface with Product Engineers and Program Management production of optical components.
Mandatory attendance at ‘all-hands’ SOC safety, security, and HR meetings.