Advanced Scientist, Thin Film R&D

Role Overview

This full-time onsite research and development position is based in Northwood, Ohio, and focuses on advanced thin-film coating work. The role centers on creating, testing, and improving multi-layer coatings to deliver specific optical and electrical performance targets. It also involves close collaboration with internal and external technical partners, including teams in the UK and Japan, as well as specialists from universities and high-technology customers.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop multi-layer coating designs that meet targeted optical and electrical outcomes.
• Build optical models for stacked coatings to forecast their behavior and performance.
• Study how processing, structure, and material properties influence the electrical performance of coatings.
• Plan and manage experimental deposition work in the CVD laboratory.
• Assess coating performance in lab, trial, and production samples, including reflected and transmitted color, solar transmission, thermal emissivity, electrical resistance, adhesion, and composition.
• Analyze results and translate findings into practical guidance for technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Work with technology teams in the UK and Japan.
• Engage with thin-film experts outside the organization, including customers with advanced technology needs and university partners.
• Apply statistical analysis tools such as JMP, along with Design of Experiments, process capability analysis, SPC, t-tests, and related methods.
• Follow the company’s standards of business conduct and guiding principles.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in applied physics, materials science, or a closely related discipline, or an M.S. with relevant professional experience.
• Background in thin films, ideally within semiconductor or photovoltaic applications.
• Hands-on experience with thin-film measurement and characterization methods such as XRD, XPS, SEM/TEM, spectrophotometry, TOF-SIMS, and AFM.
• Working knowledge of statistical tools and data analysis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluent English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 15% of the time.

Preferred Experience

• Two to three years of postdoctoral or professional experience in thin-film deposition and analysis.

Compensation and Benefits

The employer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include a 401(k), medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, company-paid holidays, paid vacation, and education assistance.

Equal Opportunity

The company is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, men, and veterans/disability candidates. Hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Applicants may choose whether or not to self-identify during the application process.

Legal Notice

Applicants will receive notice of their rights under federal employment laws. A Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor is available for review.