Optical Coatings Specialist

We’re seeking a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) Optical Coatings Specialist to lead the commissioning of new coating equipment and the development of high-performance thin-film processes. You’ll collaborate closely with business development, engineering, and manufacturing to deliver reliable systems and coatings for optical applications (e.g., AR/HR stacks, BBAR, dielectric mirrors, beam splitters, bandpass/edge filters). This is full-time role located at our facility in Cambridge, Ontario. Day shift Monday to Friday with some overtime. Pay range: $35.00 - $60.00/hr.
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RESPONSIBILITIES:

TESTING, COMMISSIONING, AND TROUBLESHOOTING
  • Lead factory acceptance (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) for new PVD tools (e.g., magnetron sputter, e-beam evaporation, ion-assisted deposition (IAD), ion-beam sputtering (IBS), atomic layer deposition (ALD)).
  • Commission systems, including: connecting all utilities, power-up and setting up computers with system control and third-party software applications.
  • Test functionality and verify all operational aspects of system.
  • Adjust mechanical devices such as transfer stages, manipulators, pneumatic actuators, interlocks, and limit switches.
  • Troubleshoot and drive resolution on electrical, mechanical and software (PLC/SCADA) issues.
  • Validate system performance against factory acceptance criteria.
  • Support project management efforts to efficiently commission high-quality systems.
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
  • Design and develop thin-film stacks to meet optical, mechanical, and environmental requirements (spectral targets, angle/polarization performance, adhesion, stress, laser damage threshold).
  • Run structured DOEs to optimize deposition parameters (power, rate, partial pressure, ion energy, substrate temperature, target conditioning) for materials such as SiO₂, Ta₂O₅, Nb₂O₅, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, HfO₂, etc.
  • Build and validate process windows and golden recipes; establish end-to-end control plans (pre-clean, fixturing, bake-out, deposition, cooldown, post-process).
  • Continually improve system control and user experience, including optimizations for optical monitoring process control during deposition.
  • Content generation for quality control, business development, and technical documentation (process data, standard operating procedures, and marketing content).
  • Work with the business development team on product features and requirements.
INSTALLATION, TRAINING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Install systems – including integration with third-party hardware – at customer’s facilities, which can be worldwide.
  • Train customers in all aspects of system use, including basic operation, process development and optimization, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.
  • Validate system performance against final acceptance criteria.
  • Provide ongoing, responsive customer service and support.

QUALIFICATIONS OVERVIEW:

  • Advanced degree (B.Sc., B.Eng., M.A.Sc., Ph.D.) specializing in Nanotechnology, Engineering, or Physical Sciences.
  • 3–5+ years experience in thin-film deposition for optics using PVD (sputtering, e-beam evaporation, IAD, IBS, ALD).
  • Proven track record commissioning or significantly upgrading vacuum deposition tools and metrology.
  • Hands-on experience with optical coating design & analysis tools (e.g., OptiLayer, TFCalc, Essential Macleod, or equivalent).
  • Proficiency in a variety of analytical techniques for optical coatings such as Ellipsometry and Spectrophotometry.
  • Proficiency with statistical methods (DOE, SPC, capability analysis) and data analysis (Excel, Python/MATLAB or JMP/Minitab).
  • Strong understanding of vacuum science (pumping, outgassing, leak detection), plasma processes, contamination control, and substrate preparation.
  • Excellent documentation and communication skills; ability to train and mentor technicians.

 

What Makes This Role Great
  • Join a winning team and be part of an agile and growing business with a workforce of exceptional people.
  • Contribute to the growth of the business through a variety of exciting projects
  • We have been in business for more than 30 years with a solid reputation in our industry and the Region
  • We offer flexible hours and a competitive compensation package, including benefits.
  • Our working environment is clean, safe, temperature-controlled and enjoyable.
Why Work At Angstrom Engineering?

At Angstrom Engineering, we develop products and services focused on supporting the nanotechnology community. Our products include a broad range of thin film deposition machinery, which we design and manufacture, as well as process development and deposition services.

We work closely with our high-tech clients to help them apply nanotechnology to pioneer important developments in; quantum computing, solar panels, energy storage, semiconductors, OLEDs, optical coatings, medical/biological sensors, and much more.

Angstrom Engineering is a growing company with an international client base which has been listed on the Profit 500 fastest growing companies seven times. We are a customer-focused company that works hard to build strong client relationships and find ways to exceed expectations.

Pay Range
The listed pay range represents the expected compensation for this position. Individual pay will be determined by factors such as job-related skills, applicable experience, and relevant education and training.

Accessibility & Accommodations
Angstrom Engineering welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

AI Disclosure
This recruitment process includes the use of AI-assisted screening tools to support resume review and candidate shortlisting. These tools help us efficiently identify applicants whose skills align with the role. All interview and hiring decisions remain fully human-led.