Thin Films R&D Scientist/Engineer

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POSITION OVERVIEW

Gentex is seeking a Thin-Film Deposition Scientist with experience in the detailed design of optical coatings and magnetron sputtering process.

As a member of the team you will contribute to the discovery, development, and improvement of Gentex technology and engage in research and development, testing, and evaluation of novel technologies, processes, and/or applications.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Apply materials expertise to thin film coatings projects.
• Develop new coating designs and products to meet customer requirements.
• Develop new materials and processes for reactive magnetron sputter deposition, ion beam etching, and other deposition methods.
• Develop thin film deposition processes for new and improved materials and coatings.
• Develop cost effective and manufacturing friendly solutions for existing and new products.
• Apply surface science characterization techniques to solve development and production issues.
• Develop and apply new coating characterization methods for R&D and production.
• Support invention documentation, patent filing and related IP activities.
• Responsible for developing new materials, devices and/or processes that help to advance the company’s new product offerings.
• When called upon, assist in problem solving associated with production processes, materials and/or products.
• Support Gentex Manufacturing in assuring that existing processes and products meet quality specifications.
• Train Gentex team members on new processes.
• When needed, aid other group members in the performance of their research and development duties.
• Work closely with key disciplines to ensure smooth product launches into production.
• Coordination of assembly and testing of new products and/or processes.
• Participate in technical collaboration with members from other sections and/or divisions.
• Continue to learn and build expertise in a particular technical field, providing consulting to others as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

HOW YOU’LL DO IT

• Analyze competitor and related patents pertinent to the company’s initiatives, support patent filings and prosecutions and other related activities.
• Work with suppliers to find 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.
• Manage project teams – lead meetings, write minutes, track progress and report finding to senior leadership.
• Perform various laboratory activities relating to research projects within the various R&D groups. 
• Develop interactive relationships with outside laboratories, analytical service providers and vendors.
• Facilitate institutional knowledge of coatings and thin films.
• Use professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. 
• Proven creativity and brainstorming skills.
• Self-motivated – ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment and/or independently.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to focus on the job at hand.
• Must demonstrate the ability for critical thinking.
• 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. 
• Maintaining high level of honesty, integrity and confidentiality with respect to company matters. 

WHAT TO BRING

• Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering, Science, Materials or other related field; MS or PhD in Engineering, Science or related field or at least two years of relevant experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of thin film and coating deposition techniques: CVD, PVD, IBAD, ion beam, wet chemical processes.
• Thin film coatings experience, metals, metal oxides, nitrides.
• First-hand operating knowledge of mechanical vacuum systems and equipment, mechanical pump, turbo pump, cryo-pump, diffusion pump, cathode and target assembly, mechanical conveyors/feed through, power supplies and gauges.
• Experience with glass and plastic substrates.
• Proven creativity and strong problem-solving abilities and track record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills.

WHAT WILL HELP

• Ability to quickly comprehend and apply new technology.
• Demonstrated technical interdisciplinary skills.
• Project management skills. 
• Experience guiding and mentoring junior personnel.
• Knowledge of statistics and design of experiments.
• Ability to communicate with those with different types and levels of skills.
• Proactive – Demonstrated ability to fix a problem before it happens. Predisposition to get involved. 
• Motivated by discovery and problem solving moderated by a sound business sense

Gentex is an equal opportunity employer

Gentex extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), disability, marital status, military service, height, weight, genetic information, or any other reason protected by law.

Assistance

Gentex is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. For accommodation requests, email us at [email protected]. Gentex will not discriminate against any qualified individual who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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