Sr. Lab Engineer

Clariant SE; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 82,602 - 110,136; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Holidays

PTO carry-over

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Program

EAP Program

Spending and Savings Accounts

Life/AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

Auto/Home Insurance

Identity Theft Protection

Legal Services Plan

Job summary

Clariant is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join the Catalyst Research & Development team in Palo Alto, California. You will support the development of next-generation catalyst technologies through high-throughput and conventional testing, leveraging experimental data to accelerate innovation and product development.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with R&D instruments and lab hardware, plus knowledge of chemical kinetics, statistics, data visualization, Python, MATLAB, DOE,

Qualifications

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field with 2–6 years industrial experience.
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field with 0–5 years industrial experience in heterogeneous catalysis.
• Experience with catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation using conventional and high-throughput testing methods.
• Hands-on experience operating laboratory reactor systems, GC, and other analytical instrumentation.
• Strong communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate catalytic materials using high-throughput and conventional catalyst testing techniques.
• Execute laboratory experiments to support catalyst development and product improvement projects.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade R&D equipment including parallel fixed-bed reactor systems and GC.
• Develop and implement new high-throughput testing methodologies to improve efficiency.
• Analyze experimental data and communicate results through technical reports and presentations.
• Support multiple research projects while maintaining high-quality execution and documentation.
• Collaborate with project leaders, scientists, and engineers to achieve project objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to less experienced team members.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and comply with safety standards.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

DOE

High-throughput testing

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Gas Chromatographs

Fixed-bed reactors

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Job ID: 41499 | Location: Palo Alto, California, USA | Expected Salary Range*: $82,602.00 - $110,136.00 | Work Model: Onsite

Clariant is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join the Catalyst Research & Development team in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will support the development of next‑generation catalyst technologies through high‑throughput and conventional testing, leveraging experimental data to accelerate innovation and product development. As a key member of cross‑functional project teams, you will design and execute experiments, operate and improve specialized R&D equipment, and analyze complex datasets to optimize catalyst performance and testing methodologies. You will collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to advance catalyst technologies from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate possesses proficient hands‑on experience with R&D instruments and lab hardware. Experience with chemical kinetics, statistical analysis, data visualization, Python, MATLAB, design of experiments (DOE), high‑throughput experimentation, machine learning, or large‑scale data analysis is highly desirable. This is a full‑time, onsite position requiring a collaborative, self‑driven professional who can manage multiple priorities, solve complex technical challenges, and translate experimental results into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate catalytic materials using high‑throughput and conventional catalyst testing techniques.
• Execute laboratory experiments to support catalyst development and product improvement projects.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade specialized R&D equipment, including: parallel fixed‑bed reactor systems, gas chromatographs (GCs), data acquisition and analysis systems and high‑throughput catalyst screening equipment
• Develop and implement new high‑throughput testing methodologies to improve efficiency and accelerate product development.
• Analyze experimental data and communicate results through technical reports and presentations.
• Support multiple research projects simultaneously while maintaining high‑quality execution and documentation.
• Collaborate with project leaders, scientists, and engineers to achieve project objectives and milestones.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to less experienced team members.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and comply with all company safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Requirements

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline with 2‑6 years of relevant industrial experience.
• Preferred, Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline with 0‑5 years of industrial experience in heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst development, or related research
• Experience with heterogeneous catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation using both conventional and high‑throughput testing methods.
• Hands‑on experience operating laboratory reactor systems, Gas Chromatography (GC), and other analytical instrumentation.
• Proficient analytical, technical writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate experimental results effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a laboratory‑based R&D environment while managing multiple priorities and taking ownership of projects and equipment.

What´s in it for you?

• Paid Holidays
• PTO time with a carry‑over benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• EAP Program
• Spending and Savings Accounts
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Auto/Home Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Legal Services Plan
• *Includes base salary and annual incentive bonus; final offer based on skills, experience and internal equity.

Mahogany McClurkin
Talent Acquisition Partner
[e-mail]

Clariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.