Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced R D Chemist to develop, optimize, and validate lubricant formulations for industrial and specialty applications. The role focuses on formulation design using base oils and additives, laboratory testing to ASTM standards, and translating laboratory results into scalable, manufacturable products. The successful candidate will combine hands-on laboratory skills with analytical interpretation and cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust, high-performance lubricants.

Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, prepare, and optimize lubricant formulations using a range of base oils and additive chemistries for industrial and specialty applications.

Plan and execute experiments, including Design of Experiments (DoE), to evaluate performance attributes such as viscosity, wear protection, oxidation stability, low-temperature flow, and corrosion inhibition.

Perform and interpret laboratory tests to ASTM and industry standards; maintain accurate test logs, analyze data, and report results to project teams.

Operate and maintain common analytical instruments used in lubricant development, such as viscometers, rheometers, GC/GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, TGA/DSC, and elemental analysis equipment.

Develop, screen, and evaluate additive packages and determine interactions between base oils and additives to meet product requirements and specifications.

Support scale-up and pilot production activities by translating lab-scale formulations to larger batches, troubleshooting process issues, and working with manufacturing to ensure reproducibility.

Maintain laboratory safety, chemical handling, and waste disposal practices; ensure compliance with company and regulatory HSE requirements.

Collaborate with product development, applications engineering, quality, and sales teams to align formulation goals with customer specifications and commercial objectives.

Document experimental procedures, results, and formulation changes in lab notebooks and electronic systems; contribute to IP generation and technical reports.

Provide technical support for root-cause investigations, shelf-life/stability studies, and continuous improvement initiatives for existing lubricant products.

QualificationsBachelors degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field4+ years of hands-on experience in lubricant formulation, lubricant chemistry, or industrial chemical R D; experience with base oils and additive chemistry is required.

Demonstrated experience with ASTM methods and lubricant industry test protocols (e.g., viscosity, oxidation, wear, pour point) and the ability to interpret and apply results to formulation decisions.

Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation commonly used in lubricant

R D:

viscometry/rheology, GC/GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, TGA/DSC, and elemental analysis.

Strong practical skills in formulation blending, sample preparation, and lab-scale scale-up; familiarity with pilot-scale batching is a plus.

Experience designing statistically robust experiments (DoE) and analyzing experimental data using statistical tools or software.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing technical reports and documenting work in lab notebooks and electronic systems.

Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work both independently and as part of cross-functional teams; strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Knowledge of industrial lubricant markets, OEM specifications, regulatory considerations, and manufacturing constraints is advantageous.

Commitment to laboratory safety, good laboratory practice (GLP), and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards.

BenefitsMedicalDentalPaid Time OffPaid Holidays401(k) plus matchBasic Life and AD&D InsuranceShort-term disability coverage