QC Analytics Lab Manager — ICP & XRF Expert

Umicore AG & Co. KG; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Umicore AG & Co. KG in Pasadena, TX, seeks a hands-on QC Analytical Laboratory Manager to lead the quality-control lab supporting stationary catalyst manufacturing. The ideal candidate will ensure accurate testing, data review, and timely release of materials.

The role requires strong ICP/XRF expertise and proven leadership of laboratory personnel, with collaboration across Manufacturing and R&D to enable process improvements and compliance. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

ICP

XRF

Lab leadership

Data integrity

Method development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Analytical Chemistry degree

Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

ICP Instrumentation

XRF Instrumentation

Job description

Umicore AG & Co. KG in Pasadena, TX, seeks a hands-on QC Analytical Laboratory Manager to lead the quality-control lab supporting stationary catalyst manufacturing. The ideal candidate will ensure accurate testing, data review, and timely release of materials.

The role requires strong ICP/XRF expertise and proven leadership of laboratory personnel, with collaboration across Manufacturing and R&D to enable process improvements and compliance. Competitive salary and benefits offered.