Application Engineer – Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division (IATD)

3M; Penang; Hybrid; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

3M in Penang, Malaysia seeks an Application Engineer to drive growth in electronics, automotive, and general industrial segments through application development and product commercialization. You will collaborate with internal teams and customers regionally to deliver value, with up to 25% travel.

You will contribute to technical training, market analysis, and go-to-market materials while translating customer needs into effective bonding solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Materials, Chemical, Mechanical, or related field).
• 3–5 years of experience in application engineering or technical support in relevant markets.
• Knowledge of adhesives, bonding tapes, single coated tapes, and/or labels.
• Hands-on experience in tape converting processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to translate customer needs into technical solutions.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and test data.
• Experience supporting product validation, troubleshooting, and customer trials.
• Clear communication of technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with sales, R&D, and manufacturing teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for customer visits, trials, or training.

Responsibilities

• Support growth strategies in key markets through application development and replication.
• Collaborate with manufacturers to develop new applications for bonding solutions.
• Deliver product recommendations, evaluations, and quality resolution support to customers.
• Conduct product and market-focused training via face-to-face engagements and webinars.
• Collaborate with area leaders to define go-to materials through performance analysis and trends.
• Coordinate and lead field trials with customers; evaluate competition and practices.
• Build knowledge in market and technology trends affecting solutions.

Skills

Problem solving

Multilingual communication

Technical interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Tape converting processes

Job description

Job Description: About the Role

3M has a long‑standing reputation as a company committed to innovation. We provide the freedom to explore and encourage curiosity and creativity. We gain new insight from diverse thinking, and take risks on new ideas. Here, you can apply your talent in bold ways that matter.

As an Application Engineer for 3M's Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division (IATD), you will play a key role in driving growth through customer collaboration, new application development, and product commercialization. You will leverage 3M's technology portfolio to deliver Customer Inspired Innovation (CII) programs, working closely with both internal stakeholders and external customers across Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asia region.

Key Responsibilities

• Support business growth strategies in key markets - including electronics, automotive, appliance, and general industrial - through application development and replication.
• Collaborate with key decision makers at manufacturers to develop new applications for existing and new bonding solutions.
• Deliver timely product recommendations, application evaluations, and quality resolution support to delight customers.
• Conduct product and market-focused training through face‑to‑face engagements and webinars.
• Collaborate with area and portfolio leaders to define area go‑to materials through product performance analysis, competitive comparison, and understanding of market trends.
• Coordinate and lead field trials with customers; evaluate local competition and marketing practices.
• Continuously build knowledge in market and technology trends, converting processes, automation technologies, and industry standards.
• Proactively contribute to the development of value propositions for effective commercialization.
• Identify voice of market insights from key industries to support strategic decision‑making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Materials, Chemical, Mechanical, or a related field).
• 3–5 years of experience in application engineering or technical support in relevant markets.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in adhesives, bonding tapes, single coated tapes, and/or labels.
• Knowledge and hands‑on experience in tape converting processes.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate customer needs into technical solutions.
• Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and test data.
• Experience supporting product validation, troubleshooting, and customer trials.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with sales, R&D, and manufacturing teams.
• Good command of English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese - both written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel for customer visits, trials, or training as needed (up to 25% out‑of‑town travel expected).

Worker type: Permanent. Work location: Penang, Malaysia (Remote)

Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

At 3M we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily as our employees connect with customers all around the world.

Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to global challenges at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.