Meet Kyle Schuberg of SVC ?? and Gentex ??

?? As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, Gentex Corporation remains a global leader in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, guided by their philosophy:

“Today’s Features. Tomorrow’s Technology.” - Gentex

From its origins in??Zeeland, Michigan, Gentex has grown into a trailblazer in custom high-tech electronics, driving transformative solutions across the ?? automotive, ?? aerospace, and ?? fire protection industries.

?? Contributing to this journey is Kyle Schuberg , a seasoned engineer with Gentex for over 17 years, whose dedication and expertise have positioned him as a leader in vacuum coating technology.

In addition to his role at Gentex, Kyle was elected a year ago to the SVC Board of Directors .

??? As part of a newly elected cohort, he is contributing strategic guidance, governance, and innovation throughout his three-year term. His role is integral to shaping SVC’s future, as the society relies on its directors, committees, and members to ?? expand global reach, drive ?? educational initiatives, and ??uphold excellence in vacuum coating and surface engineering.

?? In this interview, Kyle shares insights from his journey at Gentex, his vision for the future of vacuum technology, and his commitment to fostering innovation and professional growth in the vacuum coating community.

Leading Today, Pioneering Tomorrow

? With a unique blend of technical expertise ???, industry perspective ??, and a passion for mentoring new talent ??, Kyle exemplifies the spirit of both Gentex ?? and SVC ??: a dedication to advancing today’s technology ?? for tomorrow’s world ??.

SVC: To start, could you tell us a bit about your journey to your current role at Gentex? What first attracted you to the industry, and how has your career path evolved?

Kyle: This is a funny story. I started at Gentex 17 years ago and quickly developed a passion for manufacturing, automation, and equipment development. I thoroughly enjoyed working hands-on with the production equipment to learn the process and to develop a mastery with the equipment. I initially worked with glass cutting and epoxy delivery systems where I cut my teeth in process engineering. I loved both core competencies for Gentex and spent 9 years of my career in this space. I was given an opportunity to discuss engineering management for the coating department. This was one area at Gentex that I never thought I would work in. I considered the industry as a black box where glass would come out “shiny” coming out of the exit lock. Since I made the decision, I have not been more engaged or infatuated with the coating industry, the applications, the community, and the high level of technical requirements. I am attracted to the engineering compromise of equipment that exists in the industry where there are many unique ways to process coatings. The second is that the industry is smaller compared to automation divisions where the connection between end users and scientists is tight-knit. It was the best decision in my career to make a leap into the thin films field.

SVC: In your role as an SVC director, how do you see yourself advancing the organization’s mission and supporting the community of professionals in the field?

Kyle: My interest is focused on the education of new and upcoming engineers in this industry. The vastness of opportunities with a wide range of applications makes this a very exciting career path for all disciplines of engineering. The field is very specialized which inherently the technical community keeps information within their respective company walls. I encourage the industry to strive for improvements together and bring up fresh ideas to solve vacuum coating challenges together.

SVC: Reflecting on your education at Ferris State University, what specific experiences or insights have you found especially valuable in your approach to your work today?

Kyle: My education experience was in mechanical engineering where I sought out how entire engineering systems worked together. I found my passion for process and the discovery of making manufacturing environments the most capable for the product requirements. In reflection of my education, the ability to have an engineering mindset allowed me to adapt to engineering disciplines that are directly applicable to vacuum technologies. The interactions between material science, physics, and manufacturing are at the core of what I learned at Ferris State University which allowed me to be successful. It was very apparent that a collegiate education taught me how to learn and it was the start of the pursuit of technological knowledge.

SVC: At Gentex, what are some of the most rewarding challenges you encounter? Are there particular trends or technologies you’re especially excited to see develop?

Kyle: The projects that are the most rewarding are ones where my team develops something that doesn’t exist anywhere in the world. The complexity, challenge, and uniqueness of the project provides a very rewarding experience. It seems we have quite a few of these lately so I must give a ton of credit to my engineering team for their creativity. As for the markets, I am interested to see advancements in the automotive industry with autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the consumer product trends of wearable technology are an exciting area of development. Both of these areas require vacuum technology to produce chips, sensors, or optical devices.

SVC: When did you first get involved with SVC, and how has being part of the organization impacted your professional growth and network?

Kyle: I first attended SVC at Long Beach in 2019 which jump-started networking and displayed the strong technical offering of SVC TechCon . I met many colleagues through the education program, high stakes poker night, 5k run, and the exhibition. This left such a positive impression on me that I knew there would be a strong connection with SVC in the future. The vacuum community is relatively small and the organization is such a great conduit for technical and future business information. The professional networking has allowed so many new conversations about process improvements, equipment, professional development, and mentoring.

SVC: Do you remember your first experience at our annual TechCon? What were your initial impressions, and how have they evolved over time?

Kyle: Long Beach in 2019 was one of the high water marks since I attended the TechCon. The venue, exhibitor participation, breakfast forum, keynote speakers, and tutorial sessions were well-represented and very engaging. My initial feeling was that my move to the vacuum industry was the right professional move and I felt empowered heading back to the office. Coming out of Covid, the rebound of TechCon was very apparent this past year in Chicago. I think each venue offers a varying emphasis on three things: conference setting, tech forum breakfasts, and social gatherings. The amount of attendees present at the exhibit adds to the liveliness and excitement associated with the industry.

SVC: Thinking back over your career, is there a particular project or achievement that stands out as especially meaningful? What did that experience teach you?

Kyle: It is always great to reflect on positive accomplishments over a career but there was one project that was particularly special. The project was framed by the customer saying it “wasn’t possible” or “wouldn’t work” which only fueled my desire and determination to deliver a solution. Over the course of two years, over ten systems had been successfully installed with metrics that were pitched at the beginning of the project. I learned two major things from this event: one, nothing will change unless you drive for change and two, it takes a well-aligned team to implement meaningful work.

SVC: Collaboration is crucial to advancing technology and innovation. How do you see partnerships across the industry helping to address key challenges in your field?

Kyle: SVC has been such a great global forum to meet key companies and leaders in the industry. The networking alone has been invaluable in creating a directory of companies and their capabilities. The other key benefit is that there is always a connection or a person who can point you in the right direction. My advice is to bring a problem to the TechCon and there will be a connection made to help resolve that issue.

SVC: In your view, what are the most essential skills for new professionals entering the industry today?

Kyle: The top essential skills I view in the industry are creative problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, integrity, empathy, and decision-making.

SVC: Looking ahead, what are your goals at Gentex over the next few years, particularly around innovation and team development?

Kyle: Gentex has always been an exciting company with opportunities but also faces many technical challenges that can take years to complete. My team is right in the middle of expanding manufacturing for some exciting new products. My goal for my entire team is for them to develop into the next generation of key vacuum processes and manufacturing engineers. A unified team that collaborates with the rest of the company can accomplish many difficult but rewarding projects. Each one of them can unlock technical potential as an engineer or as a leader at the organization making positive impressions on the next Gentex engineers.

SVC: As you reflect on your career journey, what advice would you offer to someone starting out or considering a similar path in the field?

Kyle: Great question. For the individuals coming directly out of school, I would recommend finding what aspects of the industry they are most passionate about. I would suggest spending time reflecting on how that passion affects the business and developing this further. Some options may be vacuum peripherals, optical measurement equipment, manufacturing, process, or design. Throughout the industry, there are leaders in these categories and many others who can help mentor or even offer opportunities.

Discover More About Kyle

?? Favorite Hobby:

• Going to the gym, golfing, hunting, and downhill skiing (what Michigan has to offer).

?? Favorite Movie:

• Dumb and Dumber

?? Favorite Book:

• Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

?? Go-to Podcast:

• Golf SubPar or Joe Rogan

?? What’s Currently on Your Playlist:

• Luke Combs

?? An Interesting Fact About You:

• I enjoy and can quickly assemble jigsaw puzzles and I collect and sell trading cards

?? Proudest Achievement:

• Ferris State Scholar-Athlete, hole-in-one at the State golf tournament in front of my parents?

As Kyle looks to the future, his journey at Gentex and contributions to the SVC are just the beginning. With a career built on a foundation of passion, innovation, and dedication, he remains committed to advancing the field of vacuum technology and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

As technology continues to evolve and new challenges arise, leaders like Kyle Schuberg will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of industries ranging from automotive to aerospace.

In his own words, “Success is a team effort, and the key to innovation lies in collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a shared vision for progress.” ??

We look forward to the exciting developments Kyle and his team will bring to the world of vacuum coating and beyond, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible. ??

Next week, we will continue our interview series with another exciting conversation, inspired by Kyle's approach of tackling real-world problems at TechCon. This time, the interview will feature Patrick, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in vacuum-based deposition and etch processes.

Patrick’s career spans the development and optimization of magnetically confined PECVD sources, ion sources, and advanced sputtering technologies. ??He’ll share insights into some of the most complex challenges he's faced, including how Digital Twin technology and simulations are revolutionizing vacuum processes and boosting efficiency.

Thanks for joining us, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the SVC community!?