Advances Technology Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Advanced Technology Engineer

Job Description

The Advanced Technology Engineer develops advanced multi-layered coatings for aerospace transparencies, ensuring they meet functional, durable, and optical performance requirements. This role combines hands-on process development, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to create and improve coating processes, products, and related technologies. The engineer applies sputtering concepts, physical and chemical principles, and engineering methods in a laboratory and production environment while supporting ongoing research and development projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop new coating processes, technologies, and products, and continuously improve existing processes, technologies, and products.
• Lead the development of advanced multi-layered coatings for aerospace transparencies, ensuring required functional, durability, and optical performance.
• Guide and assist R&D technicians in producing test samples, prototype articles, and proof-of-process runs.
• Provide troubleshooting and problem-solving support for new and ongoing projects related to coatings, including processes, equipment, and testing.
• Support the creation of test plans and test reports for development projects, ensuring that testing is thorough, documented, and aligned with project objectives.
• Review technical data, including drawings, test plans, and test reports, to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with process requirements.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of applicable processes, equipment, and materials to ensure effective integration into parts and production environments.
• Create and maintain process and material specifications, and manage coating process trends to ensure consistency and quality.
• Monitor and troubleshoot coating processes, identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Train team members on coating processes, specifications, and best practices, and support product and process improvement implementation.
• Participate in and host meetings with internal teams and customers to review project status, technical issues, and development progress.
• Utilize innovative methods and a scientific approach to develop processes, products, and related technologies.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned to support the goals of the engineering and R&D functions.

Essential Skills

• Experience with data acquisition and process control systems, including collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to develop and refine coating processes.
• Strong decision-making, organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written form, including technical communication.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products for data analysis, documentation, and communication.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, including safety rules, operating and maintenance procedures, blueprints, job orders, and process specifications.
• Understanding of sputtering concepts and related physical and chemical principles.
• Strong engineering mindset and problem-solving skills applied to coating processes and related technologies.
• Ability to perform daily computer-based functions for extended periods.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for 7–9 hours per day.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a coatings engineering or research and development environment.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• College degree preferred in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent related career experience.
• Familiarity with organic coatings and their application in advanced coating systems.
• Familiarity with inorganic coatings and their role in multi-layered coating stacks.
• Familiarity with plasma science and its application to coating and sputtering processes.
• Familiarity with electrical characteristics relevant to coating and sputtering equipment and processes.
• Familiarity with optical characteristics and performance requirements for coated aerospace transparencies.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems and related equipment, including operating and maintenance procedures.
• Experience working in an R&D laboratory environment, particularly with thin film and multi-layer coating development.
• Experience or exposure to aerospace applications, coating technologies, and related standards.
• Educational or practical background in chemical, mechanical, or electrical engineering disciplines.
• Ability to use innovative and scientific approaches to design experiments, analyze results, and optimize processes.

Work Environment

The position operates primarily in an office and R&D/production plant environment that is air conditioned and heated. The role involves extended periods of computer-based work, as well as time spent in laboratory or production areas where coating processes and equipment are operated. Some noise exposure is present, and hearing protection is provided and required as needed. There is some exposure to particulates, with eye protection and protective gloves provided and required where appropriate. The environment supports close collaboration with technicians, engineers, and other team members while maintaining a professional and safety-focused workplace.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $39.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.