Operations Engineer I

Alluxa is a technology company that provides specialized optical filters and thin-film precision coatings for challenging applications in the industrial technology, life sciences, and semiconductor markets. The company’s products are developed through a proprietary coating process using state-of-the-art equipment. Alluxa partners with customers to deliver customized, complex precision coating solutions.

About the Role

The Operations Engineer I performs engineering work focused on the design, development, characterization, and improvement of precision optical coatings. This role contributes to manufacturing, quality, innovation, and process improvement through coating design, process development, metrology, equipment optimization, data analysis, and technical documentation. The position involves applying engineering analysis to resolve product or process issues and lead small engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned thin film coating design, process development, manufacturing engineering, and production troubleshooting activities.
• Design optical coatings to meet customer, internal, performance, manufacturability, and production requirements.
• Translate coating designs into production-ready recipes, process instructions, and manufacturing requirements using company software and systems.
• Evaluate coating designs, process conditions, and production results to identify technical risks, improve manufacturability, and recommend actions for better performance and repeatability.
• Troubleshoot coating, metrology, substrate preparation, surface quality, equipment, and process issues to improve production flow and resolve technical problems.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Engineering, Planning, Quality, and other stakeholders to interpret technical requirements and advance manufacturing actions.
• Lead small engineering projects from definition through implementation, including planning, data review, documentation, and communication of results.
• Develop and implement engineering improvements focused on cost, quality, productivity, safety, capability, yield, coating repeatability, and process stability.
• Develop, maintain, and improve product test methods, instructions, and data review practices to verify coating performance and customer requirements.
• Analyze coating runs, metrology results, test data, and customer requirements to make technical recommendations for product disposition and process adjustments.
• Organize product performance data to inform internal reviews, customer documentation, and process improvement.
• Interpret customer optical, dimensional, and specification requirements to contribute to accurate internal product and process specifications.
• Resolve technical product, process, documentation, and customer-related questions in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Develop, implement, and maintain technical documentation for engineering methods, test activities, process changes, and controlled procedures.
• Provide technical training and knowledge transfer to technicians and other employees on defined methods, tools, and processes.
• Build and apply technical knowledge in thin film coating, optical design, metrology, and process development to improve design and manufacturing methods.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications, licenses, or training to meet company, customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Follow company quality, environmental, sustainability, and safety policies; identify and escalate safety concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., materials science, engineering, physics) or high school diploma plus 10 years of directly relevant thin film coating experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, engineering software, or technical systems for data compilation and technical decision-making.
• Experience applying statistical analysis, experimental design, test methods, and technical reporting to evaluate product and process performance.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, communicate clearly, write accurate documentation, and manage multiple priorities with high accuracy.
• Familiarity with engineering design software, CAD tools, or related technical applications.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools, lab instrumentation, metrology equipment, or process monitoring systems.
• Collaborative, reliable, and motivated to meet goals and improve processes.
• Must maintain satisfactory attendance, including timeliness.
• This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. Export Controls; ability to meet export control requirements may be required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in thin film manufacturing or a technical environment involving optical coating, metrology, process development, or engineering projects.
• Experience with thin film or optical design software (e.g., TFCalc, OptiLayer).
• Experience developing or maintaining Standard Operating Procedures, Job Safety/Hazard Analysis, Work Instructions, or controlled documentation.
• Hands-on experience with metrology equipment (e.g., spectrophotometers, laser measurement systems, Zygo interferometers).
• Exposure to thin-film and high-vacuum process design, including hardware systems, tooling, or manufacturing support.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing methods (e.g., 5S, SPC, root cause analysis, FMEA, 8D, DFM, NPI).
• Familiarity with quality, environmental, safety, and industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AS9100, Cal/OSHA).

Physical Requirements

• Work within a manufacturing environment with moderate temperature and noise levels.
• Ability to remain seated or standing for the duration of the shift as required by job duties.
• Handle delicate optical components and precision tools with fine manual control while following contamination control protocols.
• Perform overhead and elevated tasks, including ladder work, while maintaining stability and control.
• Work in various positions (reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, squatting) for extended periods; perform repetitive hand tasks for up to 10 hours.
• Work with solvents, cleaning agents, lasers, sharp instruments, vacuum equipment, and high-temperature equipment while following safety protocols.
• Visual acuity for close and mid-range tasks, including viewing small components and using microscopes.
• Required to wear a respirator, hairnet, face mask, gloves, and cleanroom suit when necessary.
• Ability to work extended hours, including overtime, when required.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds occasionally and push or pull materials and equipment.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $78,960 - $106,600 annually. Actual offer will be based on the individual candidate’s background, education, training, experience, and geographic considerations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and 401(k) matching.
• Supplemental insurance options.