Thin Film Deposition | Surface Engineering | Advanced Manufacturing
Interested in materials science, surface engineering, advanced manufacturing, or thin film technology?
What if you could take what you've learned about materials and engineering and apply it to real-world problems involving thin film deposition, surface modification, vacuum technology, and precision manufacturing?
Dayton Coating Technologies (DCT) is looking for a technically curious individual who wants to build a career in PVD coating technology and surface engineering. This is a hands-on technical career path where you'll learn how Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes are used to engineer the surface properties of precision components used in demanding applications.
You don't need prior PVD experience. We are looking for someone with the technical curiosity, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and desire to understand why a process works—not simply how to operate it.
What You'll Learn
You'll develop practical expertise in:
- PVD and thin film deposition
- Surface engineering and coating materials
- Vacuum systems and plasma processes
- Precision fixturing, metrology, and inspection
- Process control, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement
What You'll Do
As you develop your technical competencies, you'll progress from foundational production responsibilities into increasingly advanced coating responsibilities.
Your development will include:
- Learn and become qualified on multiple PVD coating systems.
- Prepare, fixture, and load precision components for coating.
- Understand how geometry, surface condition, fixturing, and process parameters affect coating performance.
- Select approved coating recipes and verify process parameters as qualified.
- Monitor processes and recognize abnormal conditions.
- Perform inspections using measurement and metrology equipment.
- Investigate quality/process issues with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.
- Support reactor readiness, preventive maintenance, and equipment reliability.
- Maintain equipment readiness, documentation, and continuous improvement activities.
A Technical Career Path — Not Just a Production Job
Your initial development period focuses on production fundamentals, quality, precision part handling, equipment operation, and DCT's manufacturing processes. As you demonstrate competency, you'll progress into increasingly technical coating responsibilities and work toward independent Coating Technician qualification. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency and performance—not simply time in the position.
What We're Looking For
We are particularly interested in candidates with education, coursework, or experience in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Technology, Surface Engineering, Thin Film Technology, or a related technical field.
A degree is preferred but not required. Relevant technical education, military technical experience, laboratory work, precision manufacturing, machining, coatings, or demonstrated mechanical aptitude will also be considered.
Successful candidates are:
- Curious about materials, surfaces, thin films, and why manufacturing processes behave the way they do.
- Mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with precision equipment.
- Able to read and follow technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
- Dependable, adaptable, and willing to learn across multiple processes.
- Interested in problem-solving and understanding the process—not simply completing tasks.
Why DCT?
At DCT, you'll work at the intersection of materials science, surface engineering, and precision manufacturing—not simply operate production equipment. You'll receive hands-on training with PVD technology, thin film deposition, vacuum systems, metrology, and process control while developing toward advanced technical responsibilities.
If materials science, thin film deposition, and hands-on engineering sound more interesting than another generic manufacturing job, we'd like to hear from you.
Dayton Coating Technologies (Dayton, Ohio) Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What interests you most about this position?
- At Dayton Coating Technologies, employees are cross-trained and expected to support multiple production areas as business needs change. How do you feel about working in an environment where learning new skills and helping teammates is part of the job?
- Have you ever started coursework toward an engineering or technical degree or certification? If yes, what was the field of study? (Degree completion is not required.)
- When equipment isn't performing as expected how would you describe your typical approach?
Work Location: In person
