Senior Vacuum Coating Technologist

We have an opening for a Senior Vacuum Coating Technologist. In this role you will support new and ongoing programmatic activities involving vacuum coating systems with the primary focus on process development optimization and operational support. Responsibilities include applying thin film coatings using advanced deposition techniques analyzing characterizing and evaluating thin film properties using laboratory equipment and supporting coating process development and troubleshooting. The role also includes operating deposition systems supporting system setup and integration developing fixtures for new and existing systems and assisting with upgrades on vacuum systems. This position requires strong technical expertise attention to detail and hands-on experience in thin film coating processes.  You will work independently or with engineers scientists and technical staff to perform moderately complex to complex equipment setup operation maintenance and system testing. Tasks may include but are not limited to equipment set-up and operation; general troubleshooting and maintenance; and make minor equipment modification and system upgrades and working with hazardous materials.  This position may require occasional overtime and travel. This position is in the Advanced Coatings Vacuum Processing Laboratory Group in the Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation Section (MNDE) of the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Operate and maintain Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Optical Coating Deposition (OCD) and other vacuum systems equipment i.e. electron beam and magnetron sputtering systems.
• Provide advanced technical support for maintaining vacuum systems modifying and installing vacuum components and supporting fabrication handling materials and operation of complex systems under minimal supervision
• Apply advanced knowledge to interpret and operate vacuum system equipment to solve complex system/mechanical problems.
• Maintain regular independent interaction with supervisor project leads scientists engineers and technical staff to identify evaluate analyze and support process requirements and improvements; and to train and mentor staff as needed.
• Solve complex system processes equipment mechanical and operational problems.
• Use software programs to produce supporting documentation and graphics.
• Follow and adhere to written operational and safety procedures while completing job assignments.
• Apply experienced knowledge of relevant coating technologies vacuum processes and laboratory instrumentation to solve processes system or equipment related problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in engineering mechanical industrial or manufacturing technology or an equivalent combination of education and related experience; or a technology related certificate or diploma with related work experience and related coursework; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical or engineering field that includes mechanical training.
• Experience in thin film and optical coatings characterization of thin film materials using analytical equipment/processes and various physical vapor deposition techniques and data acquisition techniques related to vapor deposition processes.
• Possess effective written verbal feedback and presentation and communication and skills.
• Experience with personal computers and associated software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Significant experience of vacuum technologies thin film analytical equipment/processes using PVD/OCD systems.
• Advanced skills and knowledge to interpret requirements and processes identify and analyze results.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with process validation of optical coatings.
• Experience with LabVIEW or similar graphical system design and development software.
• Experience with leak detection and Residual Gas Analysis (RGA) for process control and contamination monitoring.

Pay Range

$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time