Job Title

Nanofilm, listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange, is a leading provider of nanotechnology solutions in Asia, featuring its own proprietary technologies. Our products and services are integral to the smooth functioning of many technologies and tools essential to modern life. Our solutions serve as key catalysts, enabling our customers to achieve high value-add advancements in their end-products in an environmentally sustainable manner.Founded in 1999 as a high-tech spin-off from Nanyang Technological University, we offer surface solutions based on vacuum deposition, including our proprietary Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc (FCVA) technology. Headquartered in Singapore, the company has over 3,000 employees across Singapore, India, Germany, Japan, China, and VietnamWe aim to achieve technological breakthroughs, redefine the boundaries of material sciences, and develop nanotechnology solutions that enable new end-product possibilities. Our goal is to be a future generation technology-based solutions company, with a vision of our advanced materials and nanoproducts being integrated into the daily lives of consumers worldwide.Job PurposeDue to our ongoing business expansion, NTI is seeking a Director of Research and Development to lead our Advanced Technology Research Centre in Singapore. 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.ResponsibilitiesDefine and execute the organization’s technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives.Oversee the design, development, and validation of high-performance coating technologies and processesLead, 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 advantageCollaborate 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 improvementEnsure technology solutions comply with industry standards, security policies, and regulatory requirements.Requirements:Education & ExperienceAdvanced degree (preferred PhD) in (Plasma) Physics or related field.10+ years of hands-on PVD process development in industrial settings.Proven experience with Industrial PVD equipment and vacuum systems.Technical ExpertiseDeep 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 SkillsAbility 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).Preferred QualificationsExperience 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.OthersWilling to relocate and based in Singapore