R&D Manager

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE

• Manage all R&D activities in furniture OEM/millwork factory
• Develop new products that meet customer requirements and optimize production costs
• Research and apply new materials and technologies to production
• Develop veneer engineering techniques and special lacquer effects
• Optimize production processes and manage technical documentation
• Lead R&D team and serve as technical bridge between departments

SCOPE OF WORK / RESPONSIBLITIES

1. New Product Development - NPD (20%)

• Receive and analyze briefs, technical and aesthetic requirements from customers
• Deploy detailed 2D/3D drawings, BOM, structure, and assembly instructions
• Manage entire process: prototype → pilot run → mass production
• Control and thoroughly resolve technical errors at all development stages
• Ensure products align with production technology and cost optimization

2. Traditional Materials Research (15%)

• Solid Wood: Check moisture content, stability, warping, cracking; propose finger-joint, lamination, edge-glue structures
• Panel Materials (MDF/HDF/PB/Plywood): Evaluate density, screw holding, flatness, coating capability; check CARB/EPA/E1 environmental standards
• Finishing: Test adhesion, hardness, scratch resistance, moisture resistance; optimize sanding – sealer – topcoat process
• Test and evaluate material suitability for each product line

3. Veneer Engineering (20%)

• Veneer on MDF/PB/HDF: Establish UF/PVA/PUR adhesive parameters, heat-pressure-time; control telegraphing, blistering, edge delamination during CNC
• Veneer on Solid Wood: Design cross-banding, balancing veneer to prevent cracking; control moisture, grain direction, and core stability
• Veneer on Metal (steel/aluminum): Surface treatment sandblast, primer; test PUR/Epoxy/PSA bonding; check thermal expansion
• Veneer on Plywood/Plastic/Composite: Control telegraphing; veneer on honeycomb, WPC, foamboard; optimize veneer thickness by substrate

4. Hardware & Structure (10%)

• Benchmark and test hinges, drawer slides, connectors, KD fittings
• Conduct durability tests: 10,000–50,000 cycles, load capacity, smoothness
• Design joinery: dowel, mortise & tenon, dovetail, pocket hole
• Design hybrid wood-metal structures per ANSI/BIFMA/EN standards
• Optimize reinforcement and screw placement positions

5. Production Process Optimization - Process R&D (10%)

• Research and optimize CNC: routing, drilling, nesting
• Optimize sanding according to roughness and machinery
• Standardize veneer – laminate – finishing processes
• Design jigs and fixtures to increase productivity and reduce errors

6. New Materials Research & Application (10%)

• Source new materials: engineered veneer, next-gen laminates, composites, eco-friendly materials
• Collect and evaluate samples from US – EU – Japan – China markets
• Technical testing: CNC, sanding, finishing, bonding, durability, stability tests
• Propose new material applications to increase value or reduce costs
• Execute prototype – semi production – pilot run for evaluation

7. Lacquer Effect Development (5%)

• Research and test new effects: metallic, crackle, pearl, marble, deep matte, high gloss
• Design layering systems and special effect techniques
• Test adhesion, hardness, flatness, moisture resistance, scratch resistance
• Build standard production processes ensuring consistency between batches
• Develop lacquer effect library for customers and internal use

8. Technical Documentation Management (5%)

• Control technical drawings, BOM, assembly instructions, SOPs
• Build material – hardware – veneer – lacquer library
• Ensure documentation synchronization and standards before production transfer
• Update and manage technical document version control

9. R&D Team Management (5%)

• Manage R&D engineers, draftsmen, sample makers
• Train on materials – veneer – lacquer – structure – processes
• Manage timelines, assign work, evaluate performance
• Build and develop team capabilities

Job Requirement

1 – Knowledge (educational background, degree, certificate)

Must have

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Wood Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, or related fields
• Deep understanding of furniture materials: solid wood, veneer, engineered veneer, MDF/HDF/PB, plywood, laminate, composite
• Strong grasp of veneer application techniques on multiple substrates: solid wood, MDF/PB, metal, plastic, plywood, honeycomb
• Proficient in hardware: hinges, drawer slides, connectors, KD fittings
• Expert in structural design: dowel, mortise & tenon, dovetail, pocket hole, hybrid structures

Should have

• Knowledge of international standards: ANSI/BIFMA, EN, ASTM, VOC (CARB/EPA)
• Proficient in lacquer techniques and special effects
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma
• Understanding of international interior design trends

2 – Relevant experience

Must have

• Minimum 5-7 years R&D/Engineering experience in furniture OEM or millwork factory
• Minimum 3 years R&D team management experience
• Experience in sampling, pilot runs, practical production error resolution
• Experience developing products from concept to mass production

Should have

• Experience working with international customers (US, EU, Japan)
• Experience in OEM projects for high-end markets
• Experience researching and applying new materials
• Experience optimizing production processes

3 – Skills

Must have

• Proficient in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent 3D software
• Technical analysis skills, material optimization, and manufacturability
• Ability to conduct tests: load test, cycle test, bonding test, moisture test, stress test
• Proficient English (reading, writing, speaking) for international customer interaction 
• Skills in establishing technical SOPs for veneer, laminate, finishing, lacquer
• Project management and team management skills

Should have

• Technical presentation skills 
• Ability to use FEA analysis and simulation software 
• Training and staff development skills

4 – Others (Personality, attitudes, behaviors)

Must have

• Strong technical thinking, logical and meticulous
• Quick and decisive problem-solving abilities
• Clear and effective technical communication
• Ability to handle pressure and resolve shop floor issues
• High responsibility for technical data accuracy

Should have

• Learning spirit for new materials and technologies
• Continuous improvement and innovative thinking
• Proactive solution proposing rather than waiting for direction
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Willing to travel and work at production facilities