Optical Material Engineer at Gentex Corp

Description

PURPOSE:

The Optical Material Engineer is focused on the design, conception, characterization, and development of eyewear products. Experienced in optical materials and wet coatings, polymers processing and structure/property relationship,

spectroscopic and data acquisition on optical components. Close engagement with internal engineering team and external partners to design, develop, characterize and manufacture state-of-the-art eyewear for use in commercial and military applications ranging from ballistic protection, variable light transmission, laser eye protection and visual display applications. Leads and coordinates at the project level the technical development of optical eyewear components, from the design to transfer and support to production.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Lead the development of eyewear optical components and new products.

· Develop and set-up process of optical coatings and materials for optimal performance of the component and the optical system.

· Establish the links between the modeled design, the process conditions, the materials composition and the performances of the final product through characterization, data acquisition, and build relationship between characteristics, materials and fabrication processes.

· Problem Solving: identify complex problems; display a systematic approach to resolution using data-driven analysis / decision making; follow-through actions through implementation and validation.

· Ability to develop understanding of complex and evolving processes as required to lead, implement, and sustain systems improvements.

· Develop and conduct R&D experiments for product and process improvement, as well as new products.

· Document experimental work and capitalize knowledge to help transitioning products from development to production.

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific, technical journals and understanding of mathematical concepts such as probabilities, statistics.

· Possess effective communication and presentation skills.

· Lead technical projects and interface with internal and external customers.

Requirements

EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s) and EXPERIENCE:

· The successful candidate must possess a Master’s degree (M. S.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Engineering or related technical discipline; or 10 years in engineering/R&D environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Two (2) to five (5) years of engineering experience in optical systems. Prior experience with wet coatings chemistry, characterization of optical materials, statistical analysis, Research and Development techniques are desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Skilled in processing optical materials

· Skilled in chemistry of polymers

· Knowledge of wet coating chemistry and processes

· Excellent oral and written communication

· Proficiency in MS Office Suite and MS Project

· Knowledge of statistical techniques

· Demonstrated organizational skills

· Ability to manage several projects in parallel

POSITION SUPERVISES: 

N/A

CONTACT WITH OTHERS: 

Daily contact with engineers, managers, purchasing, manufacturing and warehouse personnel

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; manual dexterity to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee may lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The individual must have the ability to solve practical problems and a general ability to interpret instructions furnished in verbal, written, diagram or schedule format.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works majority of the day in a climate-controlled environment, with the exception of or otherwise specified, performing work in the warehouse or manufacturing areas which are subject to changes in temperature and/or noise.

TRAVEL:

Limited travel required   

LOCATION:

Gentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, recreate, meet people, raise a family and live!

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.