Job Description

About Umicore

Powering the cars of today and tomorrow. Reducing harmful emissions. Giving unique properties to high-end applications. Giving new life to used metals. As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for a better life.

About Corporate Research & Development

Driving progress through research. Providing material solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges and anticipating the needs of our customers requires a high level of investment in research. Umicore’s Group Research capabilities focus on new materials and processes to address the megatrends of resource scarcity and clean mobility. The nature of research and development means that we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new ideas. Which is where you come in.

As a Process Engineer within Corporate R&D, you will ...

contribute to Umicore's ambitious growth targets through the development of new processes for the refining of raw materials, as well as the recycling of materials at the end of their use and life cycle (e.g. EV batteries) :

• You will work on process innovation and optimizations for various Umicore Business Units related to hydrometallurgy, in close collaboration with the R&D team in Belgium
• You will test and commission new lab equipment related to hydrometallurgical experiments, including elemental analysis. Experience with ICP-OES and/or ED-XRF is an asset.
• You will execute (complex) experiments in the field of hydrometallurgy, with a focus on leaching, refining, solvent extraction and ion exchange.
• You consolidate your findings and insights in scientific reports (English) and communicate towards project leader and Business Unit contacts
• You follow new developments in the field by participating in trade fairs, lectures and conferences
• You actively search for new methodologies, technologies, products and safety related aspects, in the scope of competence building

We are looking for a colleague who ...

• has a master's degree in industrial engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) or chemistry with hands-on experience in executing hydrometallurgical lab experiments
• has knowledge of materials science, programming, process techniques and process control. Experience with and/or interest in supporting software (data analysis, statistics, modelling,…) is an asset.
• has a sense of initiative and a problem-solving mindset
• has strong analytical skills and follows a scientific approach
• is flexible, stress resistant, and capable of being responsible for several research topics at the same time
• has a strong interest in sustainability and innovation
• can report clearly and in a structured manner, both orally and in writing
• is fluent in English and Mandarin
• can easily handle MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• is strong in presentation techniques
• has a sense of order , organization and accuracy

Your Key Accountabilities

• Executes assigned tasks in General R, D & I following standard operating procedures and safety/quality requirements.
• Maintains accuracy and completeness of records, documentation, and transactions in line with controls.
• Recognizes issues or inconsistencies and supports the continuous improvement of work procedures and instructions.
• Supports colleagues and responds to stakeholder requests in a timely, professional manner.
• Coaches or guides peers on procedures and tools, coordinating day‑to‑day priorities when required.
• Acts as a subject‑matter resource for complex or exception cases, ensuring compliance during audits or inspections.

Who we are looking for

for recruiting purposes only

What we offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?