#HeraeusPeople Story
What drives me at work?
Amit Kumar, Technical Manager, Heraeus Precious Metals, Santa Fe Springs, California
"It always does: In the morning, the problem looks impossible. By the end of the day, it often has a solution. And honestly, that’s exactly why I love my job at Heraeus. I used to spend more time in the lab. Today, I’m right in the middle of production. And honestly, that has changed everything. Formulas? Sure. But now it’s also about people, workflows, processes, machines, and decisions – right where it matters, creating a real impact on the shop floor.
A typical day looks like this
In the lab, an experiment is waiting because production needs “a chemical answer” right now. The moment I'm done, the next question drops from management: “Can you test this? Can you find a solution?” And suddenly, I’m coordinating a complex, cross-functional functional project –like removing nickel from our refining loop. I collaborate with EHS, Engineering, Production, R&D in Germany and even external vendors. Chemistry alone is not enough here. In moments like these, I’m not just a chemist. I’m the connector who brings people together. Someone who connects the dots and the people.
The next day, I might find myself in a completely different world: AI, SQL, Visual Basic. I use these tools to automate processes, reduce manual work for operators, and keep asking myself: “Can this be done better? Faster? Safer?” If the answer is “yes!” I make it happen.
What truly keeps me motivated? Simply put: people. Supporting teams, training them, improving processes – optimization of various processes, reducing chloride levels in filter cake, attending XRF training, or troubleshooting a new washing process. I work with every department: Wastewater, Engineering, EHS, R&D, Procurement, and Production. Over time, you learn how the entire plant works – and, more importantly, who to bring together when something needs to move forward. That’s what makes progress possible.
When chemistry connects with people, real progress happens
One of the biggest changes in my career happened on the production floor. Previously, I had little contact with operators. Today, I spend a lot of time there – listening, observing, explaining. One thing is remarkable: operators certainly know exactly how and what to do, but not always why. So, I explain the chemistry behind their daily tasks: why removing chlorides from a filter cake matters, and how that single step impacts the entire company. And every time, you can see it: a bit of understanding makes a big difference. Processes improve. Teams grow stronger.
And then there’s that moment at the end of the day when you look up and realize: we did it. Together. What seemed impossible just hours earlier suddenly has a solution. Whether it’s a big project or a small improvement, I’m happiest when people move forward."