QC Analytical Laboratory Manager

Umicore Belgium; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Umicore Belgium is seeking a QC Analytical Laboratory Manager to lead the quality-control analytical laboratory for stationary catalyst manufacturing. You will ensure accurate, timely testing and oversee release of materials, with hands-on expertise in ICP and XRF and strong leadership of lab personnel.

The ideal candidate will manage methods, data integrity, and collaboration with Manufacturing and R&D to drive process improvements and maintain ISO 9001 standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in analytical or quality-control laboratory settings, catalyst characterization, or related environments.
• Strong hands-on expertise in ICP and XRF, including sample prep, instrument operation, calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, data review, interpretation, and method development or improvement.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing laboratory personnel, setting priorities, coordinating resources, and ensuring safe, reliable execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day QC analytical laboratory operations, establish priorities, develop personnel, coordinate resources, and ensure safe, accurate, and timely execution.
• Manage the laboratory facility, equipment maintenance and calibration, supplies, external service support, and operational readiness.
• Provide technical leadership for analytical methods and equipment, particularly ICP and XRF.
• Oversee bench-scale catalyst activity testing and ensure reliable operation of activity test units.
• Develop, verify, validate, standardize, and continuously improve analytical methods and SOPs.
• Ensure laboratory methods, results, and records are accurate, reproducible, documented, and traceable.
• Oversee testing and release of materials against approved specs.
• Investigate out-of-specification results and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Prepare certificates of analysis, QC reports, and release documentation.
• Support the Quality Management System with technical input, ISO audits, investigations, corrective actions, and document updates.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and R&D to support troubleshooting and process improvement.

Skills

ICP

XRF

Data integrity

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

ICP

XRF

Job description

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 Fuel Cell and Stationary Catalysts

High-performance stationary catalysts. Next generation fuel-cell technologies. With clean air and green mobility playing a vital part in protecting the world of tomorrow, our design and production of these sustainable solutions has never been more crucial. Developing innovative products for a broad range of industries, we’re creating a better future by helping customers reach zero emission mobility and power supply. To keep improving the way the world moves 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.

Job Summary

We are seeking a QC Analytical Laboratory Manager to provide technical, operational and people leadership for our quality-control analytical laboratory supporting stationary catalyst manufacturing.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on analytical professional with strong expertise in ICP and XRF, and demonstrated experience leading laboratory personnel and daily laboratory operations. The role is responsible for ensuring that laboratory testing is accurate, reliable, timely, and traceable and for overseeing the quality review and release of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.

Key Resposibilities

• Lead day-to-day QC analytical laboratory operations, establish priorities, develop laboratory personnel, coordinate resources, and maintain accountability for safe, accurate, and timely execution.
• Manage the laboratory facility, equipment maintenance and calibration, supplies, external service support, and operational readiness.
• Provide technical leadership for analytical methods and equipment, particularly ICP and XRF.
• Oversee bench-scale catalyst activity testing and ensure the reliable operation of catalyst Activity Test Units.
• Develop, verify, validate as applicable, standardize, and continuously improve analytical methods and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure laboratory methods, results, and records are accurate, reproducible, properly documented, and traceable.
• Oversee the testing, technical review, and release of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products against approved specifications.
• Investigate out-of-specification, out-of-trend, abnormal, or potentially unreliable results and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis, QC reports, and other product-quality and release documentation.
• Support the Quality Management System by providing technical input and assisting with assigned activities, ISO audits, investigations, corrective actions, and document updates.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing and R&D to support troubleshooting, process improvement, and new-product development.

Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in an analytical or quality-control laboratory, catalyst characterization, or a related environment.
• Strong hands-on expertise in ICP and XRF, including sample preparation, instrument operation, calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, data review, interpretation, and method development or improvement.
• Demonstrated people and operational leadership, with experience developing laboratory personnel, establishing clear priorities, coordinating resources, and ensuring safe, reliable, and timely execution.
• Strong technical judgment, structured problem-solving ability, and commitment to data integrity and traceability.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across Manufacturing, R&D, Maintenance, and Engineering.
• Experience managing or supervising an analytical laboratory in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience with bench-scale catalyst activity testing or comparable performance-testing equipment is a plus.

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?