R&D Manager

Fuel Cell R&D Manager - Korea

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?

About Fuel Cell catalysts

Umicore is a leading player in fuel cell and stationary catalysts, targeting a broad range of industries including manufacturing, hydrogen production, marine applications and the automotive sector. We support our customers in developing clean engines and reaching zero emission mobility and power supply. Leveraging decades of expertise and a global presence, we partner with research and industry leaders to deliver customer-focused, sustainable solutions. 

What you will be doing

      R&D Project & Product Development

• Lead and execute R&D projects aligned with Fuel Cell Catalyst strategy
• Develop, optimize, and characterize catalyst powders, and support transfer to industrialization
• Manage lab testing, data analysis, and documentation including specifications and control charts

      Team & Collaboration Management

• Guide and mentor R&D engineers and lab technicians, fostering an innovative team culture
• Collaborate with global and Korean partners, expanding academic and customer networks
• Support patent applications and represent the team at conferences and customer meetings

      Others

• Plan and control budgets and cost
• Ensure quality assurance and compliance with standards (e.g., APQP, IATF16949, DR/CL0)
• Contribute to EHS and QM documentation and internal reporting

Who we are looking for

Our success is based on individuals who are ready to leverage their skills and tackle any challenges they encounter. You should have a Master’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field, along with relevant experience. Additionally, you must have strong communication skills in English, enabling you to interact effectively in a business environment.

• Master’s degree or higher
• English fluency required for both written and spoken
• Major in Chemistry, Material Science, or Chemical Engineering
• Experience in R&D for fuel cell or electolyzer catalyst development at least 5 years
• Experience in the automotive sector and knowledge of APQP/IATF16949 standards
• Strong project management and leadership skills
• German language proficiency is a plus

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 my expertise can help reduce harmful vehicle emissions, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?