Coating Technician

“CVI Infrared Optics is a part of the IDEX Materials, Science and Solutions (MSS) platform. Besides our unique capabilities in manufacturing large optics from visible to longwave, we are backed by the combined capabilities of our platform. CVI offers a full spectrum of optical engineering, manufacturing, and assembly expertise. Together we can support all our customers with more engineering expertise, broader capabilities, and extensive manufacturing resources. Since 1982, CVI Infrared Optics has been manufacturing advanced optical components for high performance optronics systems. We have become the leading experts in manufacturing and integration of large optics from visible, and near infrared, to longwave infrared, that can continuously perform in extreme weather climates and harsh conditions.

When you need robust optical components and assembly expertise for your mission critical application, we can provide world-class solutions.“

About The Role We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Optical Coating Engineer to join our Coating Department. This role is responsible for supporting production activities by applying optical coating knowledge and expertise to help meet customer delivery schedules, quality standards, and yield targets.

Working as part of a skilled team, you will play an important role in ensuring products meet customer specifications while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and supporting new product development. The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate high standards of quality, efficiency, and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and manage multiple coating processes across at least two coating plants within the department.
• Complete and maintain all required production documentation, route cards, and process records accurately.
• Use spectrophotometers and other measuring equipment to assess coating performance and product compliance.
• Monitor coating processes and identify potential issues during production, taking appropriate corrective action where required.
• Identify coating defects such as spatter, striae, delamination, lint marks, comet marks, and other imperfections, understanding their causes and methods of prevention.
• Apply relevant Surface Quality Specifications and quality requirements when inspecting coated products.
• Inspect components prior to coating, ensuring they are suitable for processing and handled safely and cleanly throughout.
• Select and assess appropriate coating fixtures and jigs, considering factors such as clear aperture, dimensions, and condition.
• Determine suitable witness samples and test pieces to maximise efficiency and compliance with customer quality requirements.
• Measure witness samples and produce customer copies where required, working from quality plans, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Carry out routine preventative maintenance activities on equipment and process control systems.
• Identify potential issues with coating plants or measuring equipment and escalate concerns to the appropriate support teams.
• Perform coating chamber clean-downs, inspections, and reassembly activities while following all health and safety requirements.
• Develop the knowledge and expertise required to assess when test runs are necessary and minimise unnecessary processing.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment at all times.
• Work in accordance with company Quality Management Systems, procedures, and ISO requirements.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and coating requirements.
• Clean and prepare a variety of optical materials and substrates.
• Support the training and development of colleagues across the coating department where appropriate.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Follow all site health, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Promptly report any hazards, near misses, incidents, or unsafe conditions.
• Ensure compliance with all quality control procedures and company standards.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, efficient, and quality-focused working environment.

Essential What You'll Bring

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good practical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work accurately to tight tolerances and specifications.
• Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work a rotating shift pattern.

Desirable

• Experience working in a manufacturing, engineering, optical, or precision production environment.
• Cleanroom experience.
• Experience operating coating equipment or other technical production machinery.
• Knowledge of optical coatings, surface quality standards, or related processes.

Physical Requirements This role involves hands-on production activities and may require:

• Transporting optics and components between work areas.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Manual handling activities in line with company procedures.

Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career within a specialist optical manufacturing environment. With training provided, allowing you to build valuable technical skills while working with advanced coating technologies as part of a supportive and experienced team.

Location: Whetstone, Leicestershire

Shift Pattern: Rotating weekly shifts:

• 6:00am to 2:00pm
• 2:00pm to 10:00pm

Earlier finishes on Friday.

Job Family: Operations

Business Unit: CVI