Director of Research and Development to lead our Advanced Technology Research Centre. The role is consisting in leading and coordinating technical development and validation of new coating materials, processes/coating solutions and contribute to Plasma source developments according to roadmap defined with Chief Technology Officer (CTO) councils and Business Units head. Coating and characterization labs in Singapore will be under his responsibility and a strong collaboration with IEBU design department required. The role requires a Coating Expert for Industrial applications (Hard coatings: Nitride, DLC, oxides…) who is very familiar with plasma source development (Sputtering, ARC, PECVD sources) and related processes.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the organization’s technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Oversee the design, development, and validation of high-performance coating technologies and processes
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing R&D teams in Singapore (engineers & technicians)
- Collaborate with Universities, Corp Lab or industry partners on novel thin-film solutions (e.g., tribological, optical, or antimicrobial coatings).
- Responsible for Coating and Characterization labs in Singapore
- Manage end-to-end project execution, monitor (KPIs) progress and ensuring timely delivery within budget.
- Identify and evaluate emerging Coating Technologies to maintain competitive advantage
- Collaborate with CTO council, Sales and Marketing, Executives of each BU, and Customers to deliver solutions that meet market demands.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Ensure technology solutions comply with industry standards, security policies, and regulatory requirements.
Requirements:
Education & Experience
- Advanced degree (preferred PhD) in (Plasma) Physics or related field.
- 10+ years of hands-on PVD process development
- Proven experience with Industrial PVD equipment and vacuum systems.
Technical Expertise
- Deep knowledge of thin-film growth mechanisms, Plasma physics, Plasma sources and surface pre and post treatment.
- Proficiency in metallurgy, tribology, or corrosion mechanisms, optics for coating applications.
- Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO) and regulatory compliance (e.g., automotive, semiconductor, decorative solutions).
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Ability to bridge R&D and manufacturing with a pragmatic approach.
- Strong project management and data-driven decision-making.
- Excellent communication for cross-functional teams (engineers, operators, executives).
Qualifications
- Experience with Arc evaporation, Magnetron Sputtering and PECVD or other coating technologies.
- Knowledge of CAD/CAM or CFD modeling for plasma processes.
- Patents or publications in surface engineering.