Thin Film Coating Engineer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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