Automation Project Lead PMR Hoboken

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 Precious Metals Refining

The world’s resources are scarce. Umicore’s refining and recycling technology gives used metals a new lease of life. We are experts in treating the most complex materials from around the world. Our processes help bring value to the circular economy and reduce environmental impacts. To recover more metal from different types of material we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new processes. Which is where you come in.

Your Key Accountabilities

Purpose of the role
As an Automation Project Lead , you will drive automation initiatives from early concept through solution definition, helping deliver innovative, reliable, and future-ready automation solutions that create measurable business value.

You will take ownership of automation projects during the concept and design phases, combining process expertise, technical leadership, and stakeholder engagement to develop robust automation strategies and solutions.
Working at the intersection of Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Safety, and Digital teams, you will ensure alignment across disciplines and help transform business needs into executable automation projects

Detailed Responsibilities

Process Analysis & Concept Development
•    Develop a deep understanding of end-to-end operational and production processes.
•    Challenge existing practices and identify improvement opportunities using Lean principles.
•    Identify cross-functional dependencies across Operations, Safety, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT.
•    Assess technical and operational feasibility within complex industrial environments.

Automation & Solution Design
•    Translate operational requirements into functional and technical specifications.
•    Develop concept documents, technical specifications, and solution architectures.
•    Design, review, and validate automation solutions.
•    Evaluate integration requirements involving MES, LIMS, industrial networks, IT systems, and safety platforms.
•    Contribute to scalable, sustainable, and future-proof automation architectures.

Business Alignment & Stakeholder Engagement
•    Build compelling business cases for automation initiatives.
•    Facilitate collaboration between Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, and Safety teams.
•    Act as a trusted partner who can bridge technical expertise and business objectives. 

Project Leadership
•    Lead automation projects throughout the front-end and design phases.
•    Manage scope, planning, resources, risks, and dependencies.
•    Monitor project progress and communicate status at program level.
•    Coordinate multidisciplinary input to ensure complete and consistent project definition.
•    Deliver well-defined, validated projects that are ready for execution by engineering teams.

Who we are looking for

You are an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and creating meaningful operational improvements through automation. You combine technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills and are comfortable working across multiple disciplines.

• Master's degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent through experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in delivering automation and/or engineering projects.
• Strong exposure to industrial automation systems, process improvement initiatives, and multidisciplinary project environments.
• Strong process understanding and analytical thinking.
• Ability to translate business and operational needs into effective technical solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Structured, pragmatic, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong collaboration and coordination capabilities.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
• Willingness to be regularly present on-site in Hoboken, Belgium

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?