About the Role
As Hard Coat Specialist, you are responsible for the hard coating stage of our lens production process at the Middle East and Africa Lab of TOKAI — the scratch-resistant treatment applied to every lens before it leaves our facility. You operate and maintain the coating equipment, safeguard the quality of every batch, and make sure each lens meets TOKAI's exacting standards before it reaches an optician's dispensing counter.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor the hard coat dip/spin-coating equipment and curing ovens used in ophthalmic lens production.
- Prepare, mix and maintain hard coat solutions and resins in line with TOKAI specifications and safety guidelines.
- Carry out quality control checks on coated lenses — adhesion, abrasion resistance, coating thickness and visual defects such as streaks, bubbles or uneven finish.
- Identify, troubleshoot and resolve coating defects and process deviations in a timely manner.
- Calibrate equipment and perform routine and preventive maintenance on coating and curing lines.
- Keep accurate production, quality and maintenance records.
- Follow health, safety and environmental (HSE) procedures at all times when handling chemicals and solvents.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that raise coating yield, consistency and cycle time.
- Work closely with the surfacing, tinting and quality teams to ensure smooth end-to-end lens production.
- Support and train junior lab technicians on hard coat procedures as needed.
What You Bring
- A technical diploma or degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Optics, or Industrial/Chemical Engineering — or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Prior experience in hard coating, lens surfacing or ophthalmic/optical lens manufacturing is strongly preferred.
- A solid understanding of coating chemistry, curing processes and quality testing methods.
- Comfort working with chemical solutions and solvents, with strict adherence to safety protocols.
- A meticulous, quality-first mindset and strong attention to detail.
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve process issues independently.
- Fluent English
- Willingness to work in a cleanroom/production lab environment in Sharjah, UAE.
What We Offer
- The chance to work for a global ophthalmic lens manufacturer built on years of Belgian-Japanese collaboration and innovation.
- A hands-on role at the heart of TOKAI's regional hub for the Middle East and Africa.
- Training in TOKAI's proprietary coating technologies and quality standards.
- A collaborative, quality-driven team in a growing regional operation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may send their updated CV and motivation letter to:
[Confidential Information]
Please mention Hard Coat Specialist - application in the subject line of your application.
