Senior/ Staff, R&D Project Engineer | Semiconductor

Location: Perai Penang, Malaysia

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent (on-site)

Department: Semiconductor, R&D

Reporting to: Technical Senior Manager / Assoc Director

About the Company

Galatek is a Singapore-headquartered deep technology company focused on enabling the next generation of scientific discovery and advanced manufacturing.Combining artificial intelligence, precision engineering, advanced optics, and software platforms, we develop intelligent systems that help organizations operate with greater precision, productivity, and insight.

Operating across Asia, Europe, and North America, we partner with customers worldwide to transform complex workflows into intelligent, scalable, and future-ready systems. Based on Galatek's corporate positioning and global footprint.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced R&D Project Engineer in System Engineering to drive new product introduction activities for semiconductor-related systems. This role is responsible for leading projects from initial concept through prototype development, hands-on prototype support, design validation, and successful transition to pilot manufacturing at both internal production and external supplier sites. The ideal candidate will bridge R&D and manufacturing, ensuring design for excellence (DFx), robust documentation, and strong supplier collaboration in a fast-paced semiconductor R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project planning and execution for NPI initiatives, from concept and feasibility stages through prototype development and transition to pilot manufacturing at production and supplier facilities.
• Participate hands-on in prototype assembly and testing activities, providing direct support to mechanical, electrical, and other design engineers during build, integration, debugging, and validation.
• Support system-level testing and validation of components, sub-assemblies, and integrated systems; generate and review detailed test reports to document results, issues, and corrective actions.
• Provide DFx (Design for Manufacturability, Testability, Assembly, Cost, etc.) guidance to design engineers and lead design reviews focused on manufacturing readiness.
• Lead the development, review, and validation of all required design documents and deliverables from mechanical, electrical, and other engineering teams.
• Drive strategic supplier development and qualification to ensure suppliers meet design specifications and possess the necessary engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with internal R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve technical issues and drive continuous improvement during the NPI phase.
• Travel approximately 20% of the time to supplier and production sites for on-site support, audits, prototype activities, and manufacturing ramp.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 4 - 8+ years of relevant experience in R&D, NPI, system engineering, or manufacturing engineering within the semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech hardware industry.
• Strong hands-on experience with prototype assembly, testing, and test report generation.
• Deep knowledge of DFx principles, design review processes, and transitioning complex systems from prototype to pilot production.
• Proven track record in supplier development and technical management of external partners.
• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment, subsystems, or related technologies is highly preferred.
• Excellent project management, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Ready to Build What's Next

We're not just designing machines - we're building the future of autonomous and intelligent manufacturing. Join Galatek and take your engineering career to the next level.

Galatek is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different perspectives and believe diversity drives innovation. All employment decisions are made fairly, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic that makes each individual unique.

For interested applicants, we welcome you to submit your updated resume to [Confidential Information] for consideration. We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.