Model Maker

Gentex Corp; Norwood (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gentex Corporation is seeking a Model Maker to translate industrial design concepts and engineering drawings into physical prototypes with a fabrication and low-rate-manufacturing focus. This role emphasizes planning from materials sourcing to tool use optimization and efficient execution.

You'll manage prototype patterns and tooling designs, fabricate samples, and produce low-rate items using additive manufacturing. Collaboration with engineering and production is essential for on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Four year degree preferred in Industrial Design or Engineering; equivalent experience accepted.
• SolidWorks and/or CAD/CAM experience.
• Interpretation of control drawings and sketches into samples.
• Elaborate fabrication project planning and model shop operations.
• Experience with composite tooling, small-scale molding and machining.

Responsibilities

• Plans, maintains and executes model shop workflow to improve workload visibility and billing codes.
• Plans, prioritizes detailed work assignments for model and machine shop projects.
• Coordinates planning for model and machine shop projects with engineering, product assurance and production.
• Creates and develops prototype patterns, tooling designs and end products.
• Directs and trains less experienced model makers in design and fabrication.

Skills

Interpretation of control drawings

Fabrication planning

Prototype development

Education

Four Year College Degree preferred in Industrial Design or Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD/CAM

Additive manufacturing

Model shop equipment (saws, lathes, laser cutter, FDM, mills, presses)

Job description

GENTEX AT A GLANCE

At Gentex Corporation, we’ve created an environment where great ideas and great people can thrive. Leveraging a history that spans over 130 years, Gentex is a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high performance environments. Join our multinational team of exceptional and dedicated employees around the world and work on challenging and rewarding projects, grow your skills, and advance your career all while making a positive difference in the lives of our customers. Together, you and Gentex can build a career that’s uniquely yours.

Education / Experience

• Four Year College Degree preferred in either Industrial Design or an Engineering discipline; or experiential equivalent required.
• SolidWorks and/or CAD/CAM
• Interpretation of control drawings and industrial design sketches into physical samples
• Elaborate Fabrication Project Planning
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance (Model shop equipment such as saws, lathes, laser cutter, FDM machines, mills and presses)
• Composite parts (tooling, layup, finishing)
• Small Scale Injection Molding
• Small Scale Machining

About the Job

Gentex Corporation is currently seeking a Model Maker who will be responsible for the maturation of Industrial Design concept from sketches and engineering drawings into physical prototypes. This requires a fabrication and low‑rate-manufacturing perspective. It requires detailed planning from sourcing materials to tool use optimization, as well as efficient execution.

Duties / Responsibilities

Project Planning

• Plans, maintains and executes model shop workflow process to provide better visibility to workload, expectations and project billing codes
• Plans, prioritizes and implements detailed work assignments for assigned projects in the model and machine shops.
• Coordinates planning and work in process for assigned model and machine shop projects with associated engineering, product assurance and production functions.
• Schedule flexibility to support critical deadlines may be required.

Project Execution

• Creates and develops prototype patterns and tooling designs.
• Fabricates prototypes, prototype tooling and end products.
• Produce low rate/pilot production items using additive manufacturing equipment.
• Directs/trains less experienced model makers in the design and fabrication of prototype patterns, tooling and end product.
• Responsible for all physical output of the model shop.

Facilities Planning and Maturation

• Maintains equipment, tools and work area.
• Constantly evaluating current technology to create and maintain competitive model shop environment
• Attends training as necessary to stay up to date on equipment operation

Equal Opportunity Statement

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E‑Verify Participant. Pre‑employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.