R&D Engineer – Decorative Papers (12‑month contract)

About the role

Munksjö is seeking a motivated R&D Engineer to join its Apprieu Research Centre near Lyon, France. You will work on developing decorative and pre‑impregnated papers for the construction sector, collaborating closely with papermills, technical services, partners and suppliers. The position is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract with up to 30% travel across Europe and Brazil.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and execute new product and process development projects.
• Improve and adapt existing products in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Define project organization, design experiments, and oversee pilot and industrial trials.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking to support business development.
• Develop and implement new test methods.
• Evaluate new raw materials for product development, sourcing, or sustainability goals.
• Support operations and Technical Customer Services with a customer‑centric approach.
• Manage laboratory technicians and ensure IP protection.

Required profile

• Engineering degree (Master or PhD) in Chemistry or Material Science.
• 3–8 years of experience in a similar R&D role.
• Strong scientific background with interest in technical and industrial topics.
• Knowledge of formulation or coating processes is a plus.
• Logical, pragmatic, eager to learn, with leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent organization, autonomy, flexibility and proactiveness.
• Fluent French and professional English; German is a plus.

Required skills

• Formulation
• Coating technologies
• Experimental design
• Pilot and industrial trial management
• Competitor benchmarking
• Test method development
• Raw material evaluation
• Intellectual property protection