R&D Applications Manager (Thermal Interface Materials)

Element Solutions Inc; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Medical insurance

Annual leave

Job summary

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, part of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), seeks an experienced R&D Applications Manager to lead TIM-related research, development, and product strategy. You will direct both application and formulation teams, collaborating with Commercial, Operations, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain and Global R&D to deliver innovative TIM solutions.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive cross-functional projects in a

Qualifications

• Advanced degree with strong technical reports and business correspondence.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to translate lab insights into development recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead TIM material strategy and roadmaps with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee application and formulation groups, up to 8 staff.
• Develop core product development and validation strategies.
• Coordinate with CTS, Sales and global R&D teams.
• Manage CapEx strategy and budget for the team.

Skills

Metallurgy

Material analysis

TIM/wafer packaging

Reliability testing

Team leadership

Education

MS in Materials Science

PhD in related field

Tools

TIM1/1.5 materials

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

R&D Applications Manager (Thermal Interface Materials)

Business Unit: MAES

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

• Wafer Level Packaging - Revolutionizing wafer fabrication processes for enhanced efficiency and performance
• Circuitry Solutions - Tailored solutions to meet the dynamic demands of modern circuitry
• Electronics Assembly Solutions - Innovating semiconductor, surface mount technology, and power electronics assembly for unparalleled reliability
• Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits
• Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge materials and technologies for enhanced functionality and reliability
• Micromax– Elevating electronics through high-performing, specialized inks and pastes

Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high-quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

We embody the 'Elements of our Culture'- our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and innovative individual to lead research and development activities for our chemical business. The successful candidate will drive product innovation, process improvement, and technical excellence while supporting business growth objectives. This role requires a strong technical background, strategic thinking, and proven leadership skills to manage cross-functional projects and develop high-performing teams.

The R&D Manager will work closely with Commercial, Operations, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, and Global R&D teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs, industry requirements, and sustainability goals.

Individuals we are looking for will be coordinating work of the application and formulation teams into a cohesive strategy for new TIM product development within PBA (packaging bond and assembly business unit of MacDermid Alpha). He / she will have a chance to develop and execute (including hiring and staffing expanded team) technical strategy, in close contact and collaboration with the business unit’s product management team. We are looking for a strong technical leader who can motivate and lead geographically and culturally diverse teams in a dynamic, quickly changing environment. Semiconductor assembly is an area of intense technical innovation, growth and competition – full of challenges and opportunities.

What will you be doing?

• Manage TIMs material technical strategy – coordinate with the account and line of business teams, including periodic strategy and roadmap refresh, by collecting and synthesizing VoC, internal develop roadmaps and market trends
• Manage both application and formulation parts of the overall TIMs team – with up to 8 non-co-located employees, and dotted lines CTS personnel
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of state-of-the-art Core Product Development and Validation strategies.
• Participate in key customer interfaces (TRM exchanges, quality issues that come to R&D, new product launches, training).
• Responsible to ensure that learnings from customer interfaces enter a closed feedback loop, and strategies for internal applications capabilities are incorporated appropriately
• Establish themselves as a technical industry leader in our market space and ensure the organization consistently presents itself as market leaders in our space. Either ensure there is an industry expert or serve as that expert.
• Identify future capabilities and needs; contribute to the TRM strategy; proactively assess new technologies and competitive threats; propose future projects for consideration by the management team.
• Communicate closely with CTS and Sales as well as internal stakeholders to fully leverage the ESI capabilities available to the BU.
• Ensure there is an effective communication path for CTS globally to engage with Global Applications as a point of potential technical escalation as requested by Commercial Leadership.
• Own and actively manage the CapEx strategy and budget for the technical team.
• Take full responsibility for performance management and career development for direct reports; provide input and participate in these processes for indirect reports.

Who are You?

Education & Experience

• Master of Science in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related field with a minimum of five (8) year of relevant experience, OR
• Ph.D. in a related discipline with at least two (2) years of directly related experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, comprehensive technical reports and business correspondence.
• Skilled in presenting technical information to senior leadership, cross-functional teams, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to translate laboratory insights into practical, high-impact development recommendations.

What competencies will you need?

• Strong background in metallurgical analysis, material characterization, application, and reliability testing methodologies.
• Expertise in semiconductor board and assembly processing, alternatively wafer level packaging is a critical must.
• Hands-on experience and exposure to TIM1/1.5 materials, their application and use is a must
• Proficiency in interpreting scientific literature, technical standards, and industry test methods.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex datasets, identify trends, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.

We are Offering...

As part of our team here, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus scheme. In addition, you will also be covered under our corporate medical insurance plan and annual leaves.

Teamwork

At ESI, you will be part of a highly collaborative culture that promotes continuous improvement through cross-functional partnerships to achieve our mission. We do this through a strong and unified culture and transparent management which has empowered us to create high performing global teams that achieve superior solutions for our customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.