Process Engineer R&D

Belgium - Olen

Research & Development

Posted on 20-08-2025

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 R&D

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, in close collaboration with the project leader
• You identify the required tests and calculations to achieve specific research targets. You define the approach and/or test programs, and process the results
• You will actively gain insights based on literature, data analysis and process simulations.
• 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 (technologies) – chemistry / materials science.
• 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.
• is flexible and stress resistant
• has a strong interest in sustainability and innovation
• can report clearly and in a structured manner, both orally and in writing
• is proficient in English (and is willing to learn Dutch)
• can easily handle MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• is strong in presentation techniques
• has a sense of order and accuracy

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?