R&D Engineer

Location: Iskandar Puteri, JB

Working Hours: Monday-Friday (8am-5pm)

Job Description:

This role is responsible for the research, development, evaluation and optimization of polymer materials, adhesives and composite products used in the Company's manufacturing processes. The R&D Engineer will focus on polymer and material development, adhesive and bonding performance, extrusion, coating and lamination applications, material compatibility and technical troubleshooting. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, Production, Quality, Procurement and other relevant departments to develop new products, improve existing products, evaluate alternative materials and resolve material or process-related issues. The position requires strong technical and problem-solving skills, a hands-on approach to laboratory and production trials, and the ability to translate laboratory findings into practical and commercially viable manufacturing solutions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform analysis and testing of polymer materials, adhesives and finished products to ensure they meet required specifications and performance standards.
• Develop, test and optimize polymer formulations, adhesive systems and material combinations for extrusion, coating, lamination and other applications.
• Conduct research and development to innovate new products and improve existing products.
• Investigate and optimize adhesive and bonding performance for applications involving polymer films, aluminum foil, fibreglass, paper, nonwoven materials, woven materials, PU foam and other composite substrates.
• Investigate issues relating to poor adhesion, delamination, blocking, incomplete bonding, moisture-related failures and other material-related product failures.
• Work with suppliers to evaluate and develop suitable adhesive and material solutions for specific product requirements.
• Evaluate the suitability of polymer materials for new and existing products.
• Investigate the compatibility of different polymers, substrates and functional materials.
• Support the evaluation of materials including polyethylene, polypropylene and other polymer materials used in the Company’s products and processes.
• Investigate the use of additives, compatibilizers, adhesion promoters and other functional materials to improve product performance.
• Support the development of new products from initial concept through laboratory development, production trials and commercialization.
• Provide technical support and expertise in polymer, adhesive and material-related matters to other departments, including Production, Quality Control, Procurement and Sales.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of research, development, testing and production trial activities.
• Support the review and improvement of existing procedures related to chemical handling, storage and disposal.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry or a related field.

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant industrial experience in polymer materials, adhesive technology, extrusion, coating, lamination, polymer compounding, flexible packaging, composite materials or related industries.

• Hands-on experience with material testing, laboratory development, production trials and technical troubleshooting.

• Experience with adhesive application, bonding, coating or lamination processes will be an advantage.

• Experience with polymer materials such as PE, PP and other polyolefin materials will be an advantage.

• Ability to analyse material-related problems and develop practical solutions.

• Experience in scaling up laboratory developments to production or commercial manufacturing will be highly considered.

• Experience in contributing to machine design, process development or equipment upgrades will be highly considered.

• Understanding of building materials, hygrothermal performance or fire dynamics will be an advantage.

• Demonstrated ability to think independently and generate innovative technical solutions.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey technical information.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional and team-oriented environment.

• Good command of written and spoken English.