## Lead Research and Development Scientist/Engineer IApply: Zeeland, MI: Full time: Posted Yesterday: REQ026882At Gentex, you’ll help create innovative technologies that improve how people live, travel, and stay connected. Join a company driven by quality products across an evolving range of industries. **POSITION OVERVIEW**Lead the discovery, development, and improvement of Gentex technology and to engage in research and development, testing, and evaluation of novel technologies, processes, and/or applications.**WHAT YOU’LL DO*** Responsible for achieving business objectives with respect to new materials, devices and/or processes that help to advance the company’s new product offerings.* Assist in the development of new production processes, materials and/or products.* Contribute to the strategy for Gentex patent filings and prosecutions and other related activities.* Identify new suppliers or development partners for 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. Prepare technical reports, summaries and analyses.* Assesses the applicability of using established principles, theories and concepts across a wide range of disciplines to solve development and production challenges. Coordinates broader team to evaluate identified technologies.* Manage cross-functional teams, lead meetings, write minutes, track progress and report finding to senior leadership.* Coordinate various laboratory activities relating to research projects within the various R&D groups.* Mentor and coach other group members in the performance of their research and development duties.* Serve as an in-house and outside consultant.* Work closely with key disciplines to solve complex problems, perform development projects and ensure smooth product launches into production.* Coordinate assembly and testing of new products and/or processes.* Lead technical collaboration with members from other sections and/or divisions.* May be responsible for managing and supervising staff which includes but is not limited to, hiring, onboarding, evaluating performance, communicating expectations, and handling and/or supporting disciplinary actions of team members pursuant to Company policies and procedures.* Use professional concepts and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult scientific problems in imaginative ways.* 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.* Technical expertise - Demonstrating depth of knowledge and skill in a technical area.* Action oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.* Cultivating innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.* Building teams - Working with staff to strengthen the team. Leading by example and going beyond the expected to ensure the success of all involved.* Mentoring and coaching - Providing timely guidance and feedback (both positive and constructive) to help others recognize strengths and development opportunities. Inviting tough conversations.* 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.* 7+ years of relevant research experience.* Proven ability to manage or contribute to a technical project to generate focused new ideas to solve critical new product and process problems.* Demonstrated success guiding and mentoring junior personnel* Projects require substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories in area of expertise.* 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. Ability to engage appropriate disciplines to problem at hand.* Ability to communicate with those with different types and levels of skills.* Motivated by discovery and problem solving moderated by a sound business sense.