AR Coating Technician

AR Coating Technician Job Description

Department: Production – Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Company: Elevate Digital Optics (EDO)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The AR Coating Technician is responsible for producing high-quality anti-reflective coated ophthalmic lenses while maintaining production schedules, equipment performance, clean-room standards, and quality expectations. This position prepares lenses, operates AR coating equipment, performs inspections, and ensures products meet Elevate Digital Optics' quality standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare, inspect, clean, and mount lenses for AR coating.
  • Operate Satisloh 380 AR chambers, Schneider USC-150 wash system, EBC-900 equipment, degas ovens, and related equipment.
  • Monitor coating cycles and production schedules.
  • Perform daily equipment startup, shutdown, cleaning, and basic preventive maintenance.
  • Inspect coated lenses for scratches, pits, pinholes, stains, contamination, coating adhesion, color consistency, and cosmetic defects.
  • Maintain accurate production records.
  • Meet productivity goals while minimizing remakes and waste.
  • Work closely with Surface, Finishing, Shipping, and Quality departments.
  • Cross-train and assist other departments as needed.

Clean Room Discipline

• Maintain strict clean-room standards at all times.
  • Follow gowning and de-gowning procedures.
  • Help maintain a contaminant-free environment.
  • Report contamination concerns or equipment issues immediately.
  • Assist with daily clean-room housekeeping and organization.
  • Understand that cleanliness directly impacts coating quality and customer satisfaction.

Clean Room & PPE Requirements

Employees working in the AR department are required to wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while inside the clean-room environment.

Required PPE:
• Hair net
• Beard cover (when applicable)
• Face mask covering nose and mouth
• Clean-room shoe covers or designated clean-room footwear
• Nitrile or approved clean-room gloves
• Clean laboratory coat or approved clean-room gown (when required)
• Safety glasses when handling chemicals or designated tasks

Employees must:
• Wash or sanitize hands before entering.
• Properly don and remove PPE.
• Replace contaminated or damaged PPE immediately.
• Keep food, drinks, tobacco products, perfumes, lotions, lint-producing items, and unnecessary personal items out of the clean room.
• Follow all clean-room entry and exit procedures.
• Failure to comply with PPE requirements may result in corrective action.

Qualifications

Required:
• High school diploma or GED
• Strong attention to detail
• Mechanical aptitude
• Basic computer skills
• Reliable attendance

Preferred:
• Optical laboratory experience
• AR coating or vacuum coating experience
• Ophthalmic lens manufacturing experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Detail oriented
  • Organized
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication
  • Time management
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Ability to recognize cosmetic defects
  • Commitment to quality

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods
  • Lift up to 30 pounds
  • Frequent reaching, bending, and repetitive hand movements
  • Ability to visually inspect small cosmetic defects

Working Conditions

• Clean-room manufacturing environment
  • Exposure to production equipment and approved cleaning chemicals
  • Moderate noise level
  • Temperature-controlled facility

Performance Expectations

• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.
  • Follow all SOPs.
  • Meet production and quality expectations.
  • Minimize remakes and waste.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and integrity.

Success After 90 Days

• Independently operates AR coating equipment.
  • Meets production expectations.
  • Understands and follows all SOPs.
  • Produces quality work with minimal remakes.
  • Demonstrates excellent attendance and teamwork.

Core Values

• Put quality first.
  • Work with integrity.
  • Respect teammates and customers.
  • Take ownership.
  • Embrace continuous improvement.
  • Support independent eye care professionals.

Career Growth Opportunities

Elevate Digital Optics is committed to developing its employees. AR Coating Technicians who consistently demonstrate strong performance, leadership, and technical proficiency may have opportunities to advance into Senior Technician, Lead Technician, Production Supervisor, or other leadership roles within the organization.