Research and Development Officer

Job Summary

The R&D Officer is responsible for supporting research, product development, supplier evaluation, and project coordination activities within the Research & Development Department. The role involves liaising with suppliers, gathering technical information, conducting product and market research, coordinating trials and approvals, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring timely follow-up of ongoing R&D activities to support innovation and product enhancement initiatives across NAFFCO.

Key Responsibilities

Daily and Routine Tasks

• Respond to departmental emails and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding technical information, product specifications, quotations, samples, testing requirements, technical clarifications, and project requirements.
• Request, collect, review, organize, analyze, and distribute relevant technical and commercial information from suppliers
• Review supplier websites, product catalogs, datasheets, certifications, and technical documentation.
• Monitor and follow up on pending activities, supplier responses, and project milestones until closure.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings with suppliers, engineers, and relevant stakeholders.
• Update and maintain records of ongoing projects, development activities, and supplier communications.

Weekly and Monthly Responsibilities

• Ensure proper closure and documentation of completed projects and packages.
• Prepare project summaries and monitor the status of ongoing and pending activities.
• Compile and submit monthly R&D department progress reports.
• Coordinate and participate in departmental review and progress meetings.
• Track project deliverables and ensure adherence to established timelines.
• Identify delays, pending decisions, missing information, and potential project risks and escalate them to the concerned person.

Research and Development Functions

• Evaluate suppliers and manufacturers based on technical capability, product suitability, certifications, quality, availability, application experience, and technical support.
• Conduct market research on new products, materials, technologies, and industry trends relevant to NAFFCO products.
• Collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to support technical evaluation, product development, and engineering decision-making.
• Compare supplier quotations, technical specifications, certifications, performance data, application suitability, interface requirements, and compliance requirements.
• Research alternative products, components, materials, and suppliers to support cost optimization and product improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate product evaluations, testing, supplier demonstrations, product trials, approvals, and implementation activities.
• Support the engineering team during new product development and product improvement activities.
• Support the preparation and review of technical specifications, product requirements, datasheets.
• Support the preparation and review of Bills of Materials (BOMs), component lists, technical comparison sheets, and product documentation.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain and update running job reports and project tracking records.
• Collect technical literature, product information, and supplier contacts from exhibitions and technical events.
• Prepare technical and product evaluation reports following exhibitions or supplier visits.
• Coordinate follow-up actions with suppliers and relevant internal stakeholders.
• Develop supplier comparison reports and product benchmarking analyses.
• Generate monthly departmental progress reports and presentation materials.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of technical information, supplier communications, test results, approvals, project records, and revisions.

Coordination and Communication

• Coordinate with engineering teams through designated project coordinators.
• Arrange and facilitate supplier product demonstrations, meetings, and trials.
• Liaise with cross-functional departments to ensure smooth execution of R&D initiatives.
• Support collaboration between suppliers, engineers, quality, production, and procurement teams.

Systems and Tools

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Canva
• Internet-based research tools and supplier portals
• AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT
• Online technical resources including YouTube and supplier knowledge platforms

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in Research & Development, Product Development, Technical Coordination, Procurement, or a related role.
• Experience working with suppliers, technical documentation, and project coordination is preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical research and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and supplier management abilities.
• Strong coordination and follow-up skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze technical data, product specifications, technical drawings, datasheets, manuals, certificates, and supplier information.
• Report preparation and presentation skills.
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with AI-based productivity tools and digital research platforms.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on innovative projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Professional development, training and career progression opportunities
• Supportive environment that values continuous improvement and knowledge sharing