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As a Research Scientist, this role is responsible for developing and continuously improving Valvoline driveline and EV lubricant products, including transmission, gear, transfer case, and electric vehicle fluids. The position collaborates closely with regional Product Strategy and OEM teams to drive innovation in product concepts and performance claims, while conducting performance and quality testing to support formulation approvals and renewals. This role manages documentation for industry and OEM specifications, supports blending plant operations through production and new product introduction, and provides leadership to scientists by guiding project execution, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering professional development.
Job Responsibility:
Work with a Safety First mindset
Lead the formulation development of new EV lubricant fluids including those for hybrid transmissions and battery electric vehicles by evaluating and selecting additives, base oils, and other materials to meet differentiated performance requirements set by OEMs
Understand the mechanical requirements of EV hardware and applications to formulate products to meet the needs of an EV lubricant
Able to complete a root cause failure analysis if needed
Assist in the development of new Driveline lubricant fluids for China region, including those for light-duty and heavy-duty transmissions, gear oils, and transfer cases by evaluating and selecting additives, base oils, and other materials to meet differentiated performance and product application requirements
Present data and claims of Valvoline products to technical and engineering teams during customer meetings in support of the Valvoline OEM team
Design and manage novel testing protocols to validate new product formulations in support of differentiated claims, product licensing, OEM approvals, and regulatory compliance
Support Product Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Key Accounts, and Customer Care by delivering technical expertise, product training, and guidance on performance claims
Lead a team of scientists, ensuring safety compliance while providing direction and mentorship to support successful project execution and career growth
Provide technical support to Valvoline's blending plants, including production troubleshooting, new product introductions, and updates to quality specifications
Additional duties as assigned
Requirements:
Minimum B.S. in Chemistry or Engineering Discipline with direct experience
Masters or Doctorate in Tribology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or Automotive/Materials Engineering Preferred
Experience formulating finished lubricants, either for an oil marketer, additive supplier or base oil manufacturer
Knowledge of transmission, gear, and EV specifications and qualification procedures is advantageous
Experience with analytical test methods and laboratory methods is beneficial, especially surface evaluation such as SEM
Candidate should have experience organizing and managing complex projects and working with tight deadlines
Knowledge of the lubricant market, including competitors and product landscape
Mathematical modeling of Driveline hardware
Collaborative skills to advance projects both internally and externally
Strong communication/presentation skills
Computer Skills - specifically Outlook, Excel, Power Point, SAP and QC software
Statistical methods and design of experiments
People management with a focus on empowerment and development
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Travel Requirements: Up to 20% travel requirement, some international travel
What we offer:
Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
Health Savings Account (with employer base deposit and match)
Flexible spending accounts
Competitive 401(k) with generous employer base deposit and match