Lead Optical Coating Engineer

IPG Photonics•Marlborough, MA

About The Position

The Lead Optical Coating Engineer will lead development of new optical products and introduction of critical processes at IPG Photonics’ optical coating facility, and provide expert-level support to resolve critical technical issues. The role requires deep expertise in thin-film optical coatings, vacuum coating equipment and technologies, and hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting optical coating systems. The engineer will develop and implement optical coatings and design and evaluate thin-film coatings across VUV, DUV, UV, visible, and near-IR spectral ranges. The position collaborates with key decision-makers and cross-functional groups to advance technology, oversee established production processes, and facilitate future development. Responsibilities also include supporting the optical coating development program, improving coating operations and production protocols, tracking development progress and process metrics, and communicating technical status to internal and external stakeholders. IPG Photonics describes itself as a pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers, with more than 4,800 employees across over 30 locations. The company’s mission is to develop innovative laser solutions that make the world a better place, and it highlights challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering; a concentration in Thin Films, Optics, or a related field is preferred.
Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with Electron Beam, Ion Beam Sputtering, and Ion-Assisted optical thin-film deposition technologies.
Broad understanding of vacuum equipment operation.
Strong knowledge of thin-film theory, modeling software, and optical coating design concepts.
Strong knowledge of optical and coating materials.
Experience in cleanroom operations, optics handling, cleaning, and contamination control, including UV applications.
Extensive experience in optical coating design and process development for laser optics.
Experience with deep UV and vacuum UV coatings.
Strong knowledge and experience in optical thin-film metrology.
Ability to manage multiple technical assignments and organize and prioritize workloads effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate across company projects and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of direct industry experience in optical coating.

Responsibilities

Contribute to and support the company’s optical coating development program.
Identify and address critical technical issues that affect program success, evaluate future concepts, and implement solutions aligned with company objectives.
Provide technical input on technology choices and support development of efficient optical coating operations.
Evaluate development progress to help ensure new products meet program goals and support continuous improvement.
Develop and implement coating designs, workflow controls, and production protocols.
Monitor and report development process metrics and SPC data, and support database traceability.
Communicate development progress through reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders, including R&D activities, technical challenges, and upcoming priorities.
Demonstrate accountability for assigned technical activities and contribute to the overall success of the group.
Lead efforts to develop new optical products and introduce critical processes at the optical coating facility.
Provide expert-level support for resolving critical issues.
Oversee established production processes and facilitate future development.