Ametalin Hiring! Full Time R-D Engineer – Polymer, Adhesive - Material Development in Johor, Earn up to MYR 9,000 - Ricebowl

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the research, development, evaluation and optimisation 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.

Roles and Responsibilities

Testing and Data Analysis

• Perform analysis and testing of polymer materials, adhesives and finished products to ensure they meet required specifications and performance standards.
• Develop and improve testing methods for evaluating material properties and product performance.
• Analyse and interpret laboratory, production and external testing data.
• Support material characterisation and evaluation using appropriate analytical and testing techniques.

Research and Development

• Develop, test and optimise 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.
• Evaluate polymer properties, material compatibility and bonding performance between different substrates.
• Investigate and optimise the use of polymers, additives, adhesion promoters and other functional materials.
• Evaluate alternative raw materials to improve product performance, reduce cost or reduce supply risk.
• Conduct laboratory, pilot and production trials to validate new materials and product concepts.
• Support the scale-up of successful laboratory developments into commercial production.
• Stay current with advancements in polymer science, adhesive technology and material processing to ensure the Company remains competitive in the market.

Adhesive, Bonding and Lamination Development

• Evaluate and develop suitable bonding solutions for different materials and substrates.
• Investigate and optimise adhesive and bonding performance for applications involving polymer films, aluminium foil, fibreglass, paper, nonwoven materials, woven materials, PU foam and other composite substrates.
• Evaluate different adhesive technologies and bonding mechanisms where applicable.
• 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.
• Support the development and optimisation of extrusion lamination, adhesive lamination, coating and other material bonding processes.

Polymer and Material Development

• Evaluate the suitability of polymer materials for new and existing products.
• Develop and optimise polymer blends and material formulations where required.
• Support the selection of suitable materials based on performance, processability, cost and product requirements.
• 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, compatibilisers, adhesion promoters and other functional materials to improve product performance.
• Evaluate material alternatives and develop suitable substitution plans when required.

Product Innovation, Research and Development

• Sustain intellectual property (IP) documentation and applications.
• Update the PTSA based on current manufacturing setup and conditions.
• Develop and improve standard templates for technical and process troubleshooting.
• Develop and improve process control checklists and relevant technical documentation.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and advancements in polymer, adhesive and material technologies.
• Generate ideas for continuous improvement and innovation in product and material development.
• Support the development of new products from initial concept through laboratory development, production trials and commercialisation.

Supplier Collaborations

• Identify, evaluate and collaborate with potential suppliers of polymers, adhesives, additives and other material solutions to ensure quality and performance requirements are met.
• Review and evaluate supplier technical information, including material specifications, TDS and SDS.
• Work with suppliers to develop and validate alternative or improved material solutions.
• Collaborate with the Procurement team to support technical evaluation of suppliers and materials, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality and supply reliability.
• Participate in technical discussions and trials with suppliers where required.

Provide Assistance and Technical Support

• Provide technical support and expertise in polymer, adhesive and material-related matters to other departments, including Production, Quality Control, Procurement and Sales.
• Support Production and Engineering teams in material and process optimisation.
• Assist in evaluating the technical suitability of new raw materials and products.
• Provide technical input for customer or internal product-related issues where required.

Troubleshooting for Product or Process Abnormalities

• Identify and investigate root causes when products or manufacturing processes do not meet required quality or performance standards.
• Investigate material-related issues involving polymers, adhesives, bonding, extrusion, coating and lamination.
• Design and conduct structured experiments to validate technical hypotheses and identify root causes.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to resolve abnormalities and prevent recurrence.
• Work with cross-functional teams to improve product quality, process stability and manufacturing performance.

Chemical Safety and Compliance Support

• Support the review and improvement of existing procedures related to chemical handling, storage and disposal.
• Assist in identifying chemical hazards associated with new materials and manufacturing processes.
• Support relevant chemical safety and compliance activities in collaboration with the Process and Compliance Manager and other relevant departments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant chemical safety standards and regulations.
• Provide technical input for SDS, chemical assessments and other material-related safety documentation where required.

Documentation and Record Maintenance

• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of research, development, testing and production trial activities.
• Prepare technical reports, trial reports, material evaluation reports and troubleshooting reports.
• Maintain relevant material specifications, development records and technical documentation.
• Ensure proper documentation of product and process development activities.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned from time to time.

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.
• Practical experience in at least one or more of the following areas: polymer materials, adhesive technology, plastic or polymer extrusion, extrusion coating or extrusion lamination, adhesive lamination, coating, polymer compounding, flexible packaging or composite materials.
• Strong understanding of polymer properties, material compatibility and material processing.
• Hands-on experience with material testing, laboratory development, production trials and technical troubleshooting.
• Practical understanding of the relationship between material properties and manufacturing processes.
• 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.
• Experience with polymer additives, functional polymers, compatibilisers or adhesion promoters 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.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance related to chemical or polymer materials will be an advantage.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: RM7,000.00 - RM9,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Flexible schedule
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Maternity leave
• Opportunities for promotion
• Professional development

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Nusajaya: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person