The position is responsible for producing high quality optical coatings using a magnetron sputtering system. The position operates, repairs, and maintains the coating tool, shields and chambers. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Operate plasma assisted magnetron sputtering coating chamber, for catalog production, as well as, research and development projects.
• Chamber preparation, loading and unloading of substrates.
• Cleans and prepares optical components for coating, when necessary.
• Basic chamber maintenance, cleaning and filament changes.
• Perform troubleshooting of vacuum chambers.
• Operate Metrology tools for characterization of thin films, including, spectrophotometry, interferometry, photometry, absorption testing
• Design and optimize optical thin film designs and deposition processes/ to meet requirements, for magnetron ion beam sputtering, ion assist and electron beam coating processes
• Work closely with Process Engineer, Coating Scientist, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality to resolve technical issues, manage defect issues, implement root cause solutions to those issues, and continuously promote and implement process improvement, quality and cost performance.
• Maintain all production, process, quality and equipment records.
• Promote and maintain good housekeeping and safety practices.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 3-5+ years of experience of optical thin film coating experience in a manufacturing environment. Must have experience operating a magnetron sputtering system.
• Experience with thin film software and a strong understanding of optical thin film design
• Strong experience maintaining and troubleshooting coating equipment.
• Good problem solving skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability and desire to work in a team environment and to interact with production supervisor, technicians and design engineers.
• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint) and Sharepoint.
• Final QA experience is a plus

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, or one of the Engineering disciplines.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to design AR and HR coatings from UV to mid IR
• Knowledgeable of good housekeeping and safety practices in a clean room environment
• Strong problem solving/analysis skills.
• Strong sense of confidentiality & ethical conduct.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to function autonomously with little direction/works well independently of others

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.