Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Assistant - Research & Development
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Assistant – Research & Development role is suited to a candidate with a diploma or degree in textile technology, apparel, product development, engineering, or a related discipline. The position typically supports the development, testing, and improvement of garments, materials, and manufacturing processes. Responsibilities may include preparing samples, coordinating trials, maintaining technical documentation, analysing test results, and working with design, merchandising, quality, and production teams. Candidates are expected to have good attention to detail, basic computer and documentation skills, effective communication, and an interest in innovation. Practical knowledge of textiles, garment construction, laboratory testing, or product development would be advantageous. The role requires teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and a willingness to meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Can I work in Sri Lanka?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Board of Investment factories can bring in technicians and skilled workers after a local-expertise check; other factories need a sector-ministry recommendation.
Before you apply: Some places test factory skills first: Japan's Specified Skilled Worker visa usually asks for a skills test and basic Japanese, and in Singapore, metal workers on a Work Permit must pass a safety course within 3 months of arriving.
Watch for: Line operators are usually hired locally, so expect technicians and managers only (judgement). Each factory has a pre-approved cap on foreign posts.
Official source: Board of Investment: Visa Recommendation Policy and Guidelines. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in Sri Lanka
Usual for Manufacturing jobs in Sri Lanka, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Varies; senior expats may get company housing or an allowance |
|---|---|
| Relocation | Employer applies; visa USD 200 a year (Board of Investment firms add USD 165); who pays and moving help vary |
| Flights | Varies; a joining flight and a yearly home ticket are mostly for senior expats |
| Contract | Visa valid 1 year or as the sponsor recommends, renewed yearly; contract length varies |
| Leave | 14 days a year after the first year; public holidays extra |
| Income tax | 0% up to LKR 150,000 a month (about USD 450), then 6% to 36%; 36% above LKR 358,000 (about USD 1,100) |
| Health cover | Residence visa needs a Health Protection Plan (since 3 June 2019); who pays is not stated; extra cover varies |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Working in Sri Lanka
Who can work there by passport, what a job usually includes, and island life.
About Mas Holdings
MAS Holdings is one of South Asia’s largest apparel and textile manufacturers, headquartered in Sri Lanka. The company designs, develops, and produces clothing, intimate apparel, sportswear, swimwear, and performance products for leading international brands. MAS is known for combining manufacturing expertise with product innovation, advanced technology, sustainability, and strong ethical standards. Its operations extend across Sri Lanka and several other countries, supported by teams in research and development, engineering, design, supply chain, manufacturing, and corporate services. The company places significant emphasis on employee development, workplace inclusion, responsible production, and collaboration with global customers. MAS employs a large and diverse workforce and offers career opportunities ranging from entry-level technical and production roles to specialist, managerial, and innovation-focused positions.