Coating Manufacturing Engineer

IDEX•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 and improvements to quality, yield, and efficiency. The role supports Ion-Beam Sputtering (IBS) and E-beam Evaporation processes and works with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to resolve production challenges and implement sustainable improvements. It 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. The employee must follow safety procedures, contamination-control protocols, and PPE requirements. The position is primarily day shift, with occasional off-hours support for critical production needs. It requires standing, walking, repetitive hand movements, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to ITAR or EAR. Applicants for those positions may need to qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by the regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
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 with the 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 with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Adaptability, sound judgment, and commitment to teamwork and company values.

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.