Research and Development Representative

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Research & Development Representative supports the research, testing, evaluation, and implementation of new materials, products, equipment, and production solutions within a large-format printing and manufacturing environment. 

This position works closely with vendors and internal Production teams to research and test substrates, inks, adhesives, laminates, fabrication materials, display components, and other products used throughout the company. The R&D Representative helps identify solutions that improve quality, production efficiency, product capabilities, availability, and cost. 

The position also provides purchasing support, including creating and processing Purchase Orders, obtaining vendor quotes, tracking orders, and maintaining accurate purchasing and R&D documentation. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Research & Development 

• Research new materials, products, equipment, and production solutions for large-format printing, finishing, fabrication, and display applications. 

• Research and evaluate substrates, including rigid and flexible materials used in large-format print production. 

• Evaluate inks, coatings, adhesives, tapes, laminates, mounting materials, and finishing products. 

• Research materials and components used in fabrication, displays, signage, LED applications, and custom projects. 

• Obtain product samples, technical specifications, pricing, and availability from vendors. 

• Coordinate testing of new materials and products on company equipment. 

• Work directly with Printing, Cutting, Finishing, Fabrication, Prepress, and other production departments during product testing. 

• Document testing results, including print quality, color performance, adhesion, durability, finishing compatibility, fabrication requirements, and overall production performance. 

• Compare new products against existing materials based on quality, performance, cost, availability, and ease of production. 

• Research alternative materials and vendors when products are discontinued, unavailable, experiencing long lead times, or have significant cost increases. 

• Assist with identifying cost-saving opportunities without negatively impacting product quality or production performance. 

• Maintain organized records of tested and approved materials, specifications, vendor information, pricing, samples, and test results. 

• Follow R&D projects from initial request through research, testing, approval, and implementation. 

• Assist Production teams with researching solutions to recurring material, equipment, or manufacturing challenges. 

• Stay informed about new materials, technologies, equipment, and production methods within the large-format printing and graphics industry. 

Purchasing & Purchase Order Support 

• Create and process Purchase Orders for materials, supplies, samples, equipment, and other approved purchases. 

• Verify vendor pricing, quantities, SKUs/item numbers, shipping information, and other PO details for accuracy. 

• Obtain and maintain vendor quotes and supporting documentation. 

• Submit Purchase Orders to vendors and confirm order acceptance. 

• Track open Purchase Orders and follow up on expected delivery dates. 

• Communicate with vendors regarding backorders, shortages, substitutions, pricing changes, and delivery delays. 

• Assist with resolving discrepancies between Purchase Orders, receiving documentation, and vendor invoices. 

• Maintain accurate purchasing records within the company's ERP/purchasing system. 

• Coordinate with Purchasing, Receiving, Accounting, Production, and other departments regarding order status and purchasing needs. 

• Assist with maintaining accurate vendor, product, pricing, and SKU information. 

Qualifications 

• 1–3 years of experience in R&D support, purchasing, manufacturing, printing, production, or a related environment preferred. 

• Experience within the large-format printing, signage, graphics, fabrication, or manufacturing industry strongly preferred. 

• Experience creating and processing Purchase Orders preferred. 

• Familiarity with large-format printing materials, substrates, inks, adhesives, laminates, finishing products, or fabrication materials is a plus. 

• Experience communicating with vendors and obtaining quotes, samples, and technical product information. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and follow up consistently. 

• Basic to intermediate Microsoft Excel skills. 

• Experience with ERP, purchasing, or inventory management systems preferred. 

• Experience with PrintIQ or similar print-management software is a plus. 

Key Skills & Competencies 

• Product and material research 

• Hands-on problem solving 

• Large-format print and production knowledge 

• Vendor communication and follow-up 

• Purchase Order processing 

• Material testing and evaluation 

• Cost and product comparison 

• Strong organization and documentation 

• Attention to detail and accuracy 

• Production-focused mindset 

• Cross-department collaboration 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities 

• Initiative and curiosity 

• Follow-through and accountability 

Success in This Role 

Success in this position requires someone who is naturally curious and enjoys finding practical solutions to production challenges. The ideal person is comfortable researching a new substrate or adhesive, contacting vendors for samples and technical information, coordinating a production test, documenting the results, and following through with the purchasing process when a product is approved. 

The R&D Representative should understand that a material must do more than look good on paper—it must print, cut, route, laminate, mount, fabricate, finish, ship, install, and perform as expected for the customer's application. 

This role is an important connection between R&D, Purchasing, vendors, and Production, helping the company continually improve its materials, processes, capabilities, quality, and cost effectiveness.