Current jobs related to Thin Films R&D Scientist/Engineer - Zeeland, Michigan - Gentex Corporation

Gentex Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Thin Films R&D Scientist/Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our research and development group, you will be responsible for designing and developing innovative optical coatings and magnetron sputtering processes.

• Apply materials expertise to thin film coatings projects, ensuring high-quality results and efficient processes.
• Develop new coating designs and products to meet customer requirements, leveraging your knowledge of thin film deposition techniques.
• Design and implement new materials and processes for reactive magnetron sputter deposition, ion beam etching, and other deposition methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cost-effective and manufacturing-friendly solutions for existing and new products.
• Apply surface science characterization techniques to solve development and production issues, ensuring high-quality coatings and materials.
• Develop and apply new coating characterization methods for R&D and production, driving innovation and improvement.
• Support invention documentation, patent filing, and related IP activities, protecting Gentex's intellectual property.
• Develop new materials, devices, and/or processes that advance the company's new product offerings, staying at the forefront of industry trends.
• Assist in problem-solving associated with production processes, materials, and/or products, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality results.
• Support Gentex Manufacturing in ensuring that existing processes and products meet quality specifications, driving continuous improvement.
• Train Gentex team members on new processes, promoting knowledge sharing and skill development.
• Collaborate with other group members to perform research and development duties, fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork.
• Work closely with key disciplines to ensure smooth product launches into production, driving business growth and success.
• Coordinate assembly and testing of new products and/or processes, ensuring high-quality results and efficient operations.
• Participate in technical collaboration with members from other sections and/or divisions, driving innovation and improvement across the organization.
• Continuously learn and build expertise in a particular technical field, providing consulting to others as needed, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

• 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.

• 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.