Sr. Lab Engineer

Clariant Corporation•Palo Alto, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline with 2-6 years of relevant industrial experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

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 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.

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.