Research Scientist

You want to love what you do and love where you work. Gentex gives you the best of both worlds. A global technology company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, Gentex is an 8-time winner of the Top Workplaces in Michigan.

Position Overview

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.

The role involves optimizing and implementing polymer coatings, sealants, and adhesive chemistries and formulations to support both existing and future electrochromic products. It requires conducting research and driving formulation improvements through effective experimental planning, troubleshooting, and interpretation of analytical test results. A background in polymer science, materials science, or chemistry is preferred to successfully perform in this position.

This position is working onsite at a Gentex facility.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for developing new materials, devices and/or processes that help to advance the company’s new and current product offerings.
• Assist in the solving of problems associated with production processes, materials and/or products as needed.
• 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.
• When needed, aid other group members in the performance of their research and development duties.
• Work closely with key disciplines to smoothly execute projects.
• Coordinate 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

• 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.
• Action oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Problem solving - Defining a problem, determining the cause, identifying, prioritizing and selecting alternatives for a solution, and implementing a solution.
• Communicating effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding, taking into account the unique needs of different audiences.
• Building teams - Working with staff to strengthen the team. Leading by example and going beyond the expected to ensure the success of all involved.
• 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.
• 2+ years of relevant research experience.
• Proven creativity and strong problem-solving abilities and track record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• 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.
• Demonstrated technical interdisciplinary skills.
• Project management skills.
• Knowledge of statistics and data analysis, particularly using programming languages such as Python or R.
• Ability to communicate with those with different types and levels of skills.
• Motivated by discovery and problem solving moderated by a developing 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 recruiting@gentex.com. 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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