R&D Manager

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

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

• Qualification: Bachelor
• Age: Unlimited
• Job type: Permanent
• Probation time: 60 ngày
• Working time: 07h30 - 16h30
• Training opportunities: Cơ hội tham gia đào tạo phát triển kỹ năng, chuyên môn
• Colleagues: Hòa đồng vui vẻ
• Benefits:

  Tham gia BHXH, BHYT, BHTN đầy đủ, theo quy định của pháp luật
  Đóng BHXH 100% lương.
  Bảo hiểm chăm sóc sức khỏe.
  Thưởng tháng lương thứ 13.
  Tham gia đào tạo và phát triển kỹ năng chuyên môn.
  Khám sức khỏe định kỳ.
  Team building hàng năm.
  Lương theo thỏa thuận.

• Annual leave: 12