Surface Engineering Process Specialist (Vacuum Deposition)

Job Description

Job Description

Surface Engineering Process Specialist (Vacuum Deposition) — Chicago, IL

Do you love thin films and the science behind them? Do you thrive where R&D meets production? Ready to boost yield, stabilize recipes, and mentor a crew that ships quality day after day?

Why this role

• Be the go-to process expert for PVD operations at our West Chicago Coating Center.
• Team up with the Plant Manager to take new applications from pilot to production scale.
• Apply statistics to elevate process capability, and use structured root-cause tools to solve tough problems.
• Implement equipment and process upgrades that unlock continuous improvement.
• Own the Quality Management System upkeep to ISO 9001:2016 and train colleagues on procedures and work instructions.
• Deploy Lean: 5S, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping to optimize volume, quality yield, and flow.
• Manage small-to-medium projects and jump in on “other duties” that keep the plant moving.

About Ionbond – The Surface Engineers™

We deliver hard, low-friction, wear-resistant PVD, PACVD, and CVD coatings to aerospace, medical, food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling, and fuel cell customers. With 30+ coating centers across 15 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, Ionbond is part of the IHI Group.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Materials Science/Metallurgy, or Plasma Physics.
• 3+ years in vacuum coating with thin-film specialization; hands-on PVD system experience required.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D.
• Fluency with 8D, Fishbone, and 5 Whys.
• APQP experience, including PFMEA and Control Plans.
• Mechanical design capability; AutoCAD (or similar) proficiency.
• Clear written/verbal communication; strong work ethic, detail orientation, and organization.
• Willingness to travel ~10% (U.S. and international).

Methods & tools in play

• Lean Manufacturing: 5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping
• Failure analysis and statistical improvement techniques
• ERP software

What’s in it for you

• International and local growth opportunities
• Competitive pay tied to experience and education
• Excellent medical, dental, vision (affordable premiums and deductibles)
• FSAs (medical and dependent care)
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) Safe Harbor plus company match
• Bonus plan eligibility

Next steps

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Legal notice

Additionally, the candidate must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.