Coating Manufacturing Engineer

IDEX Corporation•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Coating Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on engineering support for thin-film optical coating manufacturing, focusing on stable production processes, troubleshooting, and improvements to quality, yield, and efficiency. The role supports Ion-Beam Sputtering (IBS) and E-beam Evaporation processes and works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to resolve production challenges and implement sustainable improvements. The position also supports new product introductions, process documentation, and technician training to promote reliable, repeatable manufacturing performance. Work is performed primarily in manufacturing and cleanroom environments, with some office activities. The role involves regular interaction with coating equipment, high-vacuum systems, tooling, and precision optical components, and requires compliance with safety procedures, contamination-control protocols, and PPE requirements. It is primarily day shift, with occasional off-hours support for critical production needs. Applicants for certain positions may need to qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
At least 4 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
Experience troubleshooting production processes, analyzing manufacturing data, and implementing process improvements.
Knowledge of thin-film deposition, high-vacuum systems, PVD, or related precision manufacturing processes.
Experience with root cause analysis, statistical process control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with manufacturing documentation, engineering drawings, routers, and BOMs.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, or related process improvement tools.
Familiarity with CAD, statistical analysis software, or programming tools used in manufacturing environments.
Strong hands-on troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to respond effectively to production issues and prioritize manufacturing needs.
Strong collaboration skills across Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Planning.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, customer specifications, and manufacturing data.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and technician training.
Ability to work independently, take ownership of issues, and follow through on corrective actions.
Continuous-improvement mindset focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Adaptability, sound judgment, and commitment to teamwork and company values.
Ability to adhere to safety procedures, contamination-control protocols, and PPE requirements.
Ability to stand and walk, perform repetitive hand movements, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
For certain positions, applicants may need to be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable export-control regulations.

Responsibilities

Provide daily engineering support for optical coating manufacturing processes.
Troubleshoot coating defects, equipment issues, and process deviations to minimize production disruptions.
Investigate manufacturing nonconformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Monitor production data, process parameters, and performance metrics to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
Identify and implement process improvements to reduce scrap, rework, cycle times, and manufacturing costs.
Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, routers, BOMs, and process controls.
Support new product introductions by establishing manufacturing processes, validating parameters, and transitioning products into production.
Partner cross-functionally to resolve production issues and support delivery commitments.
Provide technical guidance and training to technicians on coating processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
Support equipment and tooling improvements to enhance manufacturing reliability and process capability.
Manage assigned improvement projects, including timelines, resource requirements, and communication of progress.
Promote safe manufacturing practices and ensure compliance with established safety and cleanroom requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.