Physical Laboratory Principal Engineer

A Manufacturing and Production Industry in Penang is seeking a Physical Laboratory Principal Engineer to join their Quality Assurance team.

This role offers you the opportunity to shape laboratory standards, drive testing excellence, and nurture a collaborative environment where your expertise will directly impact product reliability and innovation. You will be empowered to develop procedures, manage state-of-the-art equipment, and support engineering trials, all while enjoying flexible working opportunities and access to ongoing training. If you are passionate about advancing physical testing methodologies and fostering supportive leadership within a diverse team, this position provides an ideal platform for your professional growth.

• You will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining procedure documents and test standards for the physical laboratory, ensuring they remain relevant and effective through regular reviews.
• You will have responsibility for commissioning, accepting, managing, and maintaining laboratory equipment, guaranteeing optimal performance and reliability.
• You will enjoy flexible working opportunities and access to generous pensions contributions as part of a supportive workplace that values your knowledge and commitment.

What you'll do:

As a Physical Laboratory Principal Engineer in Penang’s Quality Assurance department, you will be entrusted with shaping the future of laboratory operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve developing robust procedures that underpin reliable testing outcomes while managing advanced equipment to maintain high standards. You will coordinate laboratory schedules aligned with production demands, ensuring seamless workflow. By planning comprehensive product process tests and lifecycle evaluations, you will provide critical support for engineering trials and R&D projects. Staying current with emerging PCB testing technologies will allow you to introduce innovative techniques that enhance both internal processes and customer satisfaction. You will also foster employee growth through targeted training programmes while building strong partnerships with external laboratories. Your attention to detail in supervising inspection methods ensures data integrity throughout all operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment where their technical acumen can make a tangible difference every day.

• Develop comprehensive procedure documents and test standards for the physical laboratory, conducting regular reviews and revisions to ensure ongoing suitability and compliance with industry requirements.
• Oversee the commissioning, acceptance, management, and maintenance of physical laboratory equipment, ensuring all tools are functioning optimally and meet operational needs.
• Coordinate the work schedule of the physical testing laboratory based on production plans to facilitate smooth operations and timely completion of tests.
• Plan product process physical testing as well as product lifecycle testing, supervising accurate data collection and supporting final product reliability assessments with precise reports and samples.
• Support various engineering trials, research and development initiatives, and quality analysis by providing timely data collection, testing analysis, samples, and results.
• Stay abreast of the latest PCB testing technologies to support both company-wide and customer-driven product development efforts; organise the introduction of new testing techniques as required.
• Develop work plans and training programmes for laboratory staff; implement training sessions and competency assessments to ensure employees are equipped with necessary skills.
• Organise participation of laboratory staff in training activities, information exchanges, and events related to management system implementations across the company.
• Establish long-term cooperative relationships with external laboratories for testing and metrology verification; ensure contingency plans are in place by promptly adding new resources when needed.
• Supervise inspection methods, standards, and execution accuracy during all inspection processes to guarantee error-free test data; complete additional tasks assigned by superiors as required.

What you bring:

Your proven track record as a Physical Laboratory Principal Engineer will be evident through your extensive experience in quality assurance environments within electronics manufacturing or PCB sectors. You bring not only technical proficiency but also interpersonal sensitivity that fosters trust among colleagues. Your educational background equips you with deep understanding of material science principles while your hands-on experience enables you to navigate complex testing scenarios confidently. Familiarity with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025/2017 further enhances your credibility. You possess strong planning capabilities that allow you to balance multiple priorities seamlessly. Your communication style is considerate yet clear—ensuring data presentation is accessible for all stakeholders. Problem-solving comes naturally as you approach each challenge with empathy towards team members’ perspectives. Whether collaborating on group projects or taking initiative independently, your commitment shines through every aspect of your work.

• Bachelor’s degree in material science, physics, chemical engineering, microelectronic engineering or a closely related field is required for this role.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience working within physical testing or quality laboratory environments—preferably in PCB or electronics manufacturing industries—will enable you to excel.
• At least 2+ years’ experience in a supervisory or team lead capacity managing laboratory staff and operations is essential for success.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025/2017 standards is highly advantageous for ensuring compliance within laboratory practices.
• Familiarity with FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis), SPC (Statistical Process Control), MSA (Measurement System Analysis), APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) & PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) methodologies is beneficial.
• Expertise in measurement techniques relevant to physical lab environments will help you deliver accurate results consistently.
• Ability to plan activities effectively and prioritise tasks according to production needs demonstrates your organisational strengths.
• Excellent communication skills coupled with strong interpersonal abilities allow you to present data clearly while nurturing positive relationships within your team.
• Proven problem-solving skills enable you to address challenges efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
• Team working skills combined with the ability to work independently on your own initiative ensure you contribute positively within both collaborative settings and individual tasks.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out by offering an inclusive environment where collaboration is at the heart of every project. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities that accommodate personal commitments alongside professional ambitions. Generous pension contributions reflect the company’s dedication to long-term wellbeing while ongoing training ensures continuous skill development. The leadership team is committed to nurturing talent through supportive guidance rather than hierarchical structures—creating space for knowledge sharing across departments. Diversity is celebrated here; every voice matters whether contributing ideas or participating in communal activities designed to strengthen inter-personal connections. With access to cutting-edge technology in a modern facility located in Penang’s thriving industrial hub, you’ll find ample opportunity for growth both professionally and personally within this dependable network.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career forward as a Physical Laboratory Principal Engineer in Penang’s vibrant QA team, now is the perfect time to apply!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided or email me at jackelyn.wong@robertwalters.com to discuss this new opportunity!

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C