Coating Engineer

G&H is a global leader in optical design, testing, and manufacturing, specializing in the technology of light. We partner with customers to deliver optical systems, assemblies, and components for challenging applications across various industries.

Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, UK, with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is renowned for its expertise in acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optics. With over 75 years of history, we are the trusted partner for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors, committed to quality and excellence.

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Optical Coating Engineer to join our team. This role will focus on designing, developing, and optimizing optical coatings for various applications in optics, photonics, and laser technology. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of thin-film deposition processes, optical materials, and troubleshooting techniques to enhance coating performance. The Optical Coating Engineer will collaborate closely with our manufacturing and engineering teams to produce high-quality coatings that meet industry and customer standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Development
  • Design, model, and optimize thin-film coatings for optical components such as lenses, mirrors, filters, beamsplitters, and prisms.
  • Use software tools (e.g., TFCalc) to simulate coating behavior and refine designs to meet performance specifications.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with coating uniformity, adhesion, and overall performance during deposition.
  • Evaluate coating materials based on durability, adhesion, corrosion resistance, and environmental impact.
• Material Selection & Testing
  • Select the appropriate materials and substrates for coatings, considering optical, mechanical, and environmental factors.
  • Perform tests (e.g., spectral transmittance, reflectance, durability) to validate the coating's performance and ensure it aligns with customer specifications.
• Manufacturing Support & Optimization
  • Work closely with manufacturing teams to scale up successful coating processes for large-scale production.
  • Work with Coating Technicians with production related tasks, including but not limited to loading parts, pulling programs and inspecting parts.
• Quality Control & Testing
  • Conduct quality control inspections to ensure coatings meet all required specifications and industry standards.
  • Analyze test data, making adjustments as needed to improve coating performance.
• Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Oversee the maintenance and calibration of coating equipment and machinery.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues related to coating processes, materials, and equipment.
• Training & Development
  • Provide training to technicians and production staff on coating techniques, safety procedures, and equipment use.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in optical coating design and process development.
  • Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition techniques, including E-beam deposition.
  • Familiarity with optical coating materials and their properties.
• Skills
  • Proficiency in optical design and simulation software (e.g., TFCalc).
  • Strong knowledge of optical principles, thin-film optics, and coating characterization techniques.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to coating performance and manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with cleanroom and vacuum chamber environments is preferred.
• Certifications (optional)
  • Certification in Optical Coatings or a related field is a plus.

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

US Postings ONLY: In the instance that the position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations ("U.S. Export Control Laws"), including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within G&H that may present access to export-controlled technical data, G&H must assess whether candidates are "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. 120.15). Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this position.