Lead Research and Development Scientist/Engineer I

About the role

At Gentex, you'll help create innovative technologies that improve how people live, travel, and stay connected. Join a company driven by quality products across an evolving range of industries.

Position Overview

Lead the discovery, development, and improvement of Gentex technology and to engage in research and development, testing, and evaluation of novel technologies, processes, and/or applications.

What You'll Do

• Responsible for achieving business objectives with respect to new materials, devices and/or processes that help to advance the company's new product offerings.
• Assist in the development of new production processes, materials and/or products.
• Contribute to the strategy for Gentex patent filings and prosecutions and other related activities.
• Identify new suppliers or development partners for products or technologies which can improve quality, reduce cost, or simplify manufacturing.
• Document and analyze experimental data, including maintaining an accurate notebook and/or database of experimental results. Prepare technical reports, summaries and analyses.
• Assesses the applicability of using established principles, theories and concepts across a wide range of disciplines to solve development and production challenges. Coordinates broader team to evaluate identified technologies.
• Manage cross-functional teams, lead meetings, write minutes, track progress and report finding to senior leadership.
• Coordinate various laboratory activities relating to research projects within the various R&D groups.
• Mentor and coach other group members in the performance of their research and development duties.
• Serve as an in-house and outside consultant.
• Work closely with key disciplines to solve complex problems, perform development projects and ensure smooth product launches into production.
• Coordinate assembly and testing of new products and/or processes.
• Lead technical collaboration with members from other sections and/or divisions.
• May be responsible for managing and supervising staff which includes but is not limited to, hiring, onboarding, evaluating performance, communicating expectations, and handling and/or supporting disciplinary actions of team members pursuant to Company policies and procedures.
• Use professional concepts and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult scientific problems in imaginative ways.
• Other duties as assigned.

How You'll Do IT

• Analytical thinking - Tackling a problem by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach.
• Nimble learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning experiences.
• Technical expertise - Demonstrating depth of knowledge and skill in a technical area.
• Action oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Cultivating innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Building teams - Working with staff to strengthen the team. Leading by example and going beyond the expected to ensure the success of all involved.
• Mentoring and coaching - Providing timely guidance and feedback (both positive and constructive) to help others recognize strengths and development opportunities. Inviting tough conversations.
• Maintaining a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality with respect to company matters.
• Complying with all Company policies and procedures, safety regulations, company safety policies and safely perform all duties, including but not limited to, promoting a safe workplace.

What to Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Mathematics or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated experience with vacuum thin-film technologies, including PVD, optical coatings, and/or roll-to-roll manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage or contribute to a technical project to generate focused new ideas to solve critical new product and process problems.
• Demonstrated success guiding and mentoring junior personnel
• Projects require substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories in area of expertise.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

What Will Help

• Master's degree or a PhD in Engineering, Science or a related field.
• Ability to quickly comprehend and apply new technology and be proactive.
• Industry experience working with thin-film materials and deposition technologies, including vacuum coatings, PVD, optical coatings, and/or roll-to-roll processes.
• Demonstrated technical interdisciplinary skills. Ability to engage appropriate disciplines to problem at hand.
• Ability to communicate with those with different types and levels of skills.
• Motivated by discovery and problem solving moderated by a sound business sense.