Senior Process Development Engineer - Pcam

About Umicore

Reducing harmful vehicle emissions. Powering the cars of the future. Giving new life to used metals. We are the leading circular materials technology company fulfilling its mission to create materials for a better life. With ambitions like this, imagine what you could do?

Rechargeable Battery Materials

We are all on the move. Umicore’s rechargeable battery materials give people autonomy and connectivity. We are a pioneer in battery materials that give added range and performance to electric vehicles. Our materials also ensure longer battery life for portable electronics. To enable our customers to produce even better performing batteries 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.

What You Will Be Doing

You will be part of the global Process Technology Department within the business unit of Rechargeable Battery Materials. As the regional Senior Process Development Engineer, you will be working on process engineering for the multiple investment projects which are planned for our Canadian production plant.

Initially you will intensively work together with global process and CAPEX engineering teams to ensure that the Canadian investment projects are successfully realized and are fully aligned with projects in other geographical regions. Further you will need to make sure that regional specific aspects are fully reflected in these projects (Operational, EHS).

Once the Canadian plant gets operational, you will be responsible to build a small team of regional process engineers. You and your team will become responsible for local improvement projects and you will be the first contact point for any process related issues in the Canadian plant, while maintaining a very close relationship and a strong information flow towards the global teams.

This role will focus on the technology domain of pCam production (feed preparation, precipitation, filtration, drying , post processing, waste-water treatment and contamination prevention). As part of a global team, you will intensively collaborate with colleagues at different locations worldwide (e.g. Belgium, Finland, Poland, Korea, China).

RBM Processes can be viewed here

Detailed Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot complex problems, perform root cause analysis and resolve diverse issues requiring innovative thinking
• Preparation, review and approval of process engineering documentation for improvement of existing production lines and implementation within expansion programs
• Coordinate equipment suppliers, engineering department, product experts and production teams to efficiently integrate the latest technology into factory layout
• Provide process guidance to the engineering Project team and Operational team during commissioning and qualification of new equipment/lines
• Build a small team of process engineers before the Canadian plant start-up to ensure full process support and fluent start-up
• Responsible for the process design, in all its aspects, of new production lines for cathode materials in Canada
• Lead innovative improvements projects within areas such as process design, equipment development and energy optimization
• Responsible to establish and maintain the connection to the global process and CAPEX engineering teams
• First contact point for Process related activities to CAPEX engineering for the Canadian investment projects
• Screening and evaluation of new technologies and equipment suppliers within cathode technology field, specifically focused on the North American region
• Support process safety and risk assessments such as PHA, HAZOP, FMEA

Who we are looking for

Essential Criteria

We are looking for a flexible colleague with:

• Experience with (large) expansion projects;
• Practical competence in chemical industry or closely related with deep understanding of the physics and chemistry of the process;
• Perseverant and committed to challenge status quo and improve people's life through sustainable technologies;
• Strong organizing skills;
• Master in process engineering, chemical engineering, chemical technology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering
• Problem solving skills: systematic and methodological approach with ability to synthesize;
• Experience with commissioning of industrial lines;
• Creativity in generating solutions;
• Proven experience in reviewing and developing process engineering documentation such as P&ID, PFD, PCP, Mass and Energy Balance, Process Description, Control Narrative, URS, 2D/3D Drawings;
• Excellent reporting and communication skills in English;
• Self-dependent personality with decision making skills;
• Successful track record of leading process improvement, industrialization and engineering projects;
• At least 5 years of experience working with manufacturing processes
• Willingness for frequent business travel during the first years of the assignment
• Knowledge in process safety – chemical safety, ATEX, dust exposure prevention;
• Experience in process automation;
• Ability to operate in a matrix structure in contact with different departments;

Bonus Criteria

• Familiarity with statistics and problem-solving tools;
• Experience in working with data, materials and R&D teams to identify correlations and trends affecting product quality and performance;
• Six-Sigma certification
• Experience in cathode manufacturing processes;
• Background in powder handling and manufacturing;
• Experience in CAD software
• Competence in qualifying new processes and equipment, including 4M changes;
• Knowledge of process simulation tools (Aspen, Metsim, HSC Chemistry);
• Experience with cost calculations;
• Experience in transition of new process from R&D to large scale production in a fast-growing environment;

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 organization, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?

If our battery materials can power electric vehicles ,IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?