Sr. Lab Engineer, Catalyst Research and Development

Clariant; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

PTO time with carry-over

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Program

Life/AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

Identity Theft Protection

Legal Services Plan

Job summary

Clariant in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to advance catalyst technologies through high-throughput and conventional testing, data-driven analysis, and DOE-based experiments. You will design and execute laboratory experiments, operate specialized R&D equipment, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate results into actionable improvements.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, experience with GC and reactor systems, and strong analytical and communication skills

Qualifications

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related with 2–6 years of industrial experience.
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related with 0–5 years in heterogeneous catalysis.
• Experience with heterogeneous catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation.
• Hands-on experience operating laboratory reactor systems, Gas Chromatography (GC), and other analytical instrumentation.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a laboratory-based R&D environment.

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, GC, 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.

Skills

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Design of Experiments

Machine learning

Collaborative work

Technical writing

Experiment design

Education

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

M.S. in Materials Science

M.S. in Chemistry

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Gas Chromatographs (GC)

High-throughput testing equipment

Laboratory reactor systems

Job description

Job ID: 42005 | 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?

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances
• 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
• Online discount Mall
• 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, NORAM

[e-mail]

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.

At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status ,age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

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.

• Learn more about Clariant
• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn