Research And Development Manager

Penchem Technologies Sdn Bhd; Simpang Ampat; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Penchem Technologies Sdn Bhd is seeking a senior R&D leader to guide the development of new products from concept to commercialization in the adhesives/materials sector, with emphasis on photonics for electronics, telecoms and automotive industries.

You will manage a skilled R&D team, align strategies with company goals, and ensure projects meet timelines, budgets, and regulatory standards such as RoHS, REACH, and IATF 16949. Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in related science field.
• 7–8 years in chemical field with experience in photonics.
• 2–3 years in a leadership role leading teams across functions.
• Experience in UV, optical and photonic applications.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14000.
• Strong written and spoken English, Mandarin and Malay.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the R&D team, providing direction, mentorship, and technical support to ensure new product development & improvement project success.
• Develop and implement R&D strategies and objectives that align with the company's goals.
• Allocate resources, manage budgets, and oversee day-to-day R&D operations.
• Oversee design and development activities of new products from concept to commercialization.
• Manage the entire product development lifecycle, including feasibility studies, formulation, prototyping, testing, and NPI scale-up.
• Ensure products meet customer needs, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of existing products, driving continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the R&D team and explore novel ideas.

Skills

Leadership

R&D strategy

Project management

Quality & regulatory

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related field

Job description

1. Lead and manage the R&D team, providing direction, mentorship, and technical support to ensure new product development & improvement project success.
2. Develop and implement R&D strategies and objectives that align with the company's overall goals.
3. Allocate resources, manage budgets, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the R&D department.
4. Oversee the design and development activities of new products from concept to commercialization.
5. Manage the entire product development lifecycle, including feasibility studies, formulation, prototyping, testing, and NPI scale-up.
6. Ensure that new products meet customer needs, regulatory requirements (RoHS, REACH, Halogen Free, PFAS, etc), and industry standards.
7. Monitor and evaluate the performance of existing products, driving continuous improvement.
8. Identify new technologies, trends, and opportunities of the adhesives or materials in the related electronic, telecomunication and automotive industries.
9. Foster a culture of innovation within the R&D team, encouraging the exploration of novel ideas and solutions.
10. Plan, execute, and monitor R&D projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
11. Oversee and review the preparation and maintenance of critical R&D documentations (TDS, SDS, BOM, PDD, Classification record, etc)
12. Ensure R&D systems in compliance with industries QMS standard and regulation (ISO 9001, ISO 14000 and IATF 16949).
13. Review and approve new incoming raw materials to ensure meet company EHS policy, quality, safety standard and project requirements.
14. Identify and evaluate new materials and technologies to enhance product performance and competitiveness.
15. Coordinate the maintenance and calibration of R&D test equipment and facilities to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
16. Collaborate with internal and external research centers to advance research initiatives and drive product innovation.
17. Handle customer feedback, conduct troubleshooting, and perform root cause analysis to resolve product issues.
18. Visit customers to provide onsite technical service support, share technical knowledge, and ensure customer satisfaction.
19. Conduct technical training sessions for internal teams, customers, and partners.
20. Resolve product quality issues, coordinating with production, quality assurance, sales & marketing and customer service teams.
21. Prepare and present R&D project progress report, ROI, R&D budget and R&D departmental KPI review report to top management.

Job requirements:

1. Possess a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Industrial Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or any related field.
2. Min 7-8 years working experience in chemical field with experience in Photonics.
3. Min 2-3 years in a leadership or managerial role leading teams across various functions.
4. Knowledge or Experience in UV, optical and photonic applications.
5. Knowledge in project management & DoE
6. Experience in ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14000
7. Strong proficiency in written and spoken English, Mandarin and Malay
8. Highly initiative, motivated and problem solver.