Job Description

THE ROLE

The New Product Development Specialist is a hands-on, results-oriented technical professional responsible for developing next-generation copper clad laminates (CCL) and prepreg systems used in advanced electronics applications.

This individual contributor role will collaborate with Isola's global R&D, analytical, process engineering, and manufacturing teams to design, evaluate, and optimize materials that meet customer and market requirements for performance, cost, and reliability.

The specialist will apply expertise in polymer chemistry, composite formulation, and structure-property relationships to create innovative materials while ensuring smooth technology transfer from lab to pilot and production scale.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

New Product Design & Development

Design and develop innovative resin and laminate formulations to support Isola's product roadmap for advanced PCB applications. Evaluate raw materials (resins, reinforcements, fillers, additives) to determine suitability for targeted electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance. Apply structure-property and processing-performance principles to optimize formulations. Conduct experimental compounding, coating, and lamination trials using lab-scale and pilot equipment. Collaborate with Pilot/Scale-Up and Process Engineering teams to ensure manufacturability and consistency of new materials.

Analytical Testing & Characterization

Perform or coordinate testing of materials using techniques such as DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, GC, HPLC, and dielectric property analysis (Dk/Df). Interpret analytical and performance data to correlate structure-property relationships and guide formulation improvements. Partner with laboratory and analytical teams to develop or refine testing methods and ensure global consistency. Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, data sheets, and reports in accordance with ISO and corporate quality standards.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Integration

Work closely with OEM Marketing, Technical Service, Quality, and Global Process Engineering to ensure new product designs meet application needs. Collaborate across global R&D sites (U.S., Germany, Asia) for knowledge sharing and alignment on material development priorities. Provide technical updates, reports, and presentations to R&D leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Support transfer of new materials from concept through pilot validation and commercialization.

Documentation, Safety & Compliance

Maintain accurate and timely technical documentation, including experimental records, reports, and Intellectual Property (IP) submissions. Follow all Isola safety, EH&S, and ISO/IATF 16949 procedures for chemical handling, waste management, and laboratory practices. Contribute to updates of work instructions and best practices within the Singapore R&D laboratory. Ensure data integrity and compliance with corporate quality management systems.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Identify opportunities for material and process improvements that enhance performance, cost, or sustainability. Participate in global initiatives related to new material platforms, testing standardization, and laboratory efficiency. Contribute to the development of patents, trade secrets, and technical publications. Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, materials, and industry trends relevant to laminates and composite systems.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

3-5 years of relevant industry experience in formulation development, polymer composite materials, or laminate processing. Experience in electronic materials, PCB substrates, or high-performance resin systems preferred. Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on formulation, processing, and testing work in a laboratory environment. Strong foundation in polymer chemistry, resin formulation, and structure-property relationships. Familiar with analytical tools such as DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, GC/MS, and dielectric analysis. Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems. Competence in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data analysis tools. Ability to generate professional reports, presentations, and technical documentation.

EDUCATION

Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical field required; or Bachelor's degree with significant R&D experience in laminates, composites, or polymer systems.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Fluent in English - Required for all business, technical documentation, and global customer communication. Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese - Strongly preferred to support collaboration with OEM customers and internal technical teams in China and Taiwan. Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Able to collaborate effectively across global teams and time zones. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities. Self-motivated and proactive with a problem-solving mindset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Laboratory and pilot-scale environment requiring safe handling of chemicals and resins. May involve standing, walking, and occasional lifting of materials up to 20 lbs. Must comply with all site-specific safety and PPE requirements. * Occasional travel (domestic or international) may be required for technical collaboration and training.