PURPOSE:

The Design Engineer will research, model and develop designs using existing/new ballistic, blunt impact, other state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing technologies for use in new and continuing programs for ground systems applications. This position mainly involves the technical responsibility of leading new products from Concept Development stage into Full-Rate Production.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for technical leadership on new design and development programs

• Execute the New Product Development Process (NPD) per existing procedures, with ownership of all Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews (PDR/CDR). Support other reviews as necessary.

• Responsible for being technical design lead on production support activities (continuous improvement efforts, corrective actions, failure and root cause analysis, etc.)

• Responsible for appropriate level and quality of engineering documentation and communication for all work efforts, including both internal/external customers, government representatives and vendors.

• Responsible for becoming subject matter expert in ballistic and blunt impact resistant composite systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Design products to meet cost, performance, weight, quality, safety and schedule requirements.

• Coordinate with interdisciplinary engineering teams to infuse mechanical design requirements and features, establishing viability of overall design approach and guide planning and/or directions.

• Competency for design work ranging from conceptual studies, system trade analysis, design generation, design trouble shooting to detailed design, hardware procurement and risk analysis.

• Generate all supporting documentation such as technical reports, preferred procedures and recommended solutions.

• Engage teams and participate in guiding planning that relates to mechanical elements of helmet system.

• Participate in integrated product development teams addressing manufacturing issues and related technical/manufacturing risks. Incorporate design for manufacturing concepts into product designs.

• Stay current on all types of armor technologies, requirements and testing protocols and investigate/ recommend new relevant technologies.

• Initiate and/or review changes to engineering drawings or process documentation

Requirements

EDUCATION AND/OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s):

Minimum BS degree or equivalent in materials, aerospace, mechanical, or a related engineering/scientific field is required. Advanced Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

The individual shall have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in product design, with evidence showing the ability of transitioning a product from Concept Development stage to Production Readiness.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• An understanding of product designs, preferably with composite material structures and the ability to build and test composite materials in various environments.

• An understanding and working knowledge of new product development processes and transfer to production, supporting tool design and process development through qualification.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret 3D models (SolidWorks preferred) and technical documents to support tooling, part, and subassembly reviews. Working knowledge of GD&T principals.

• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills as well as fluency in MS Office Products, Visio, and Project or similar knowledge is preferred. Working knowledge of statistical software (MiniTab, etc.).

• Detail oriented, self-motivated, results-driven and possess strong interpersonal and team skills

• Work independently with minimal supervision, manage multiple projects and prioritize daily activities. Make technical decisions within the scope of project and produce consistent, accurate and timely work.

• Understand low volume/high mix component design and assembly principles with a focus on design for manufacturability.

• Familiarity with AS9100 procedures for Design Reviews, Inputs/Outputs, and New Product Introduction stages and gates to ensure meeting customer, product, and company contractual requirements performance expectations and return on investment.

POSITION SUPERVISES:

Position will be primarily one of an individual contributor. May be required to supervise and coordinate activities with technicians, lab personnel, production staff and/or other engineers but will not be directly responsible for reporting/evaluating others. Candidate needs to take direction and work independently with minimal supervision.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

Position requires regular contact with Engineering, Technical Services, Product Assurance and manufacturing personnel. A broad range of personal interaction among many functions of the organization is required including technical direction of others.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands 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 a high level of comprehension, and a high level of general, verbal, written, and numerical intelligence.

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.