Lead Research and Development Scientist/Engineer I

Gentex Corporation•Zeeland, MI

About The Position

At Gentex, the Lead Research and Development Scientist/Engineer I helps create technologies and leads the discovery, development, and improvement of company technology. The role conducts research and development, testing, and evaluation of novel technologies, processes, and applications, and contributes to new materials, devices, processes, and product offerings. The position coordinates laboratory activities and cross-functional technical collaboration, supports product and process development, and works with key disciplines to solve complex problems and support smooth product launches. It may also manage and supervise staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, communicating expectations, and supporting disciplinary actions under company policies. The successful candidate applies established scientific and engineering principles to difficult development and production challenges, documents and analyzes experimental results, prepares technical reports, and serves as an internal and external consultant. The role also contributes to patent-related strategy, supplier and development-partner identification, team leadership, and mentoring.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering; Chemistry; Material Science; Mathematics; or a related field.
At least 7 years of relevant research experience.
Proven ability to manage or contribute to a technical project that generates focused new ideas to solve critical new product and process problems.
Demonstrated success guiding and mentoring junior personnel.
Substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories in the area of expertise.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Analytical thinking, nimble learning, technical expertise, action orientation, and innovation.
Ability to build teams and mentor and coach others.
High level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality with respect to company matters.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Science, or a related field.
Ability to quickly comprehend and apply new technology and be proactive.
Demonstrated interdisciplinary technical skills and ability to engage appropriate disciplines for the problem at hand.
Ability to communicate with people with different types and levels of skills.
Motivation by discovery and problem solving, balanced by sound business sense.

Responsibilities

Achieve business objectives related to new materials, devices, and processes that advance new product offerings.
Assist in developing new production processes, materials, and products.
Contribute to Gentex patent filing and prosecution strategy and related activities.
Identify suppliers or development partners that can improve quality, reduce cost, or simplify manufacturing.
Document and analyze experimental data, maintain accurate notebooks or databases, and prepare technical reports, summaries, and analyses.
Apply established principles, theories, and concepts across disciplines to solve development and production challenges, and coordinate teams evaluating technologies.
Manage cross-functional teams, lead meetings, record minutes, track progress, and report findings to senior leadership.
Coordinate laboratory activities across research projects and R&D groups.
Mentor and coach group members in their research and development duties.
Serve as an in-house and outside consultant.
Work with key disciplines to solve complex problems, perform development projects, and support smooth product launches into production.
Coordinate assembly and testing of new products and processes.
Lead technical collaboration with members of other sections or divisions.
May manage and supervise staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, communicating expectations, and handling or supporting disciplinary actions in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Use professional concepts and procedures to solve difficult scientific problems in imaginative ways.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Comply with company policies and procedures and safety regulations, and promote and maintain a safe workplace.