Thin Films R&D Scientist/Engineer

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.
• Comply ing 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.  
• Maintain ing 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