R&D Engineer

The GMP Group; Iskandar Puteri; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The GMP Group is seeking an R&D Engineer in Malaysia to lead polymer materials development, adhesive systems, and coating/lamination processes. You will perform lab development, trials, and optimization to deliver commercially viable solutions.

The role requires a hands-on approach and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, and Procurement. You will evaluate material compatibility, troubleshoot adhesion issues, and translate laboratory findings into scalable manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry or a related field.
• 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 is advantageous.
• Experience with polymer materials such as PE, PP and other polyolefin materials is advantageous.
• 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.
• Strong technical communication to translate laboratory findings into practical manufacturing solutions.

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, fiberglass, paper, nonwoven materials, woven materials, PU foam and other composite substrates.
• Investigate issues related to adhesion failures and moisture-related problems and develop solutions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate adhesive and material solutions for product requirements.
• Evaluate polymer materials for new and existing products and assess compatibility of polymers, substrates and materials.
• Support development from concept to laboratory development, production trials and commercialization.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Hands-on

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Lab troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related field

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.