# Research Scientist

**Company**: Valvoline Global Operations
**Location**: Lexington
**Work arrangement**: hybrid
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Automotive

**Apply**: https://jobs.valvolineglobal.com/job/Lexington-Research-Scientist-KY-40509/1378207200/
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_d2854835-64f

## Description

At Valvoline Global Operations, we're proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we've never rested on being first. As a Research Scientist, you'll play a key role in developing and continuously improving Valvoline driveline and EV lubricant products, including transmission, gear, transfer case, and electric vehicle fluids.

This role 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. You'll also manage documentation for industry and OEM specifications, support blending plant operations through production and new product introduction, and provide leadership to scientists by guiding project execution, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering professional development.

Responsibilities include:

- Working with a Safety First mindset

- Leading the formulation development of new EV lubricant fluids, including those for hybrid transmissions and battery electric vehicles

- Understanding the mechanical requirements of EV hardware and applications to formulate products to meet the needs of an EV lubricant

- Assisting 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

- Presenting data and claims of Valvoline products to technical and engineering teams during customer meetings in support of the Valvoline OEM team

- Designing and managing novel testing protocols to validate new product formulations in support of differentiated claims, product licensing, OEM approvals, and regulatory compliance

- Supporting Product Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Key Accounts, and Customer Care by delivering technical expertise, product training, and guidance on performance claims

- Leading a team of scientists, ensuring safety compliance while providing direction and mentorship to support successful project execution and career growth

- Providing technical support to Valvoline's blending plants, including production troubleshooting, new product introductions, and updates to quality specifications

To succeed in this role, you'll need:

- A minimum B.S. in Chemistry or Engineering Discipline with direct experience

- A Master's 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

- Ability to organize and manage complex projects and work with tight deadlines

- Knowledge of the lubricant market, including competitors and product landscape

- Collaborative skills to advance projects both internally and externally

- Strong communication/presentation skills

- Computer Skills - specifically Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, 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.

## Skills

### Required
- formulation development
- product strategy
- OEM team collaboration
- analytical test methods
- laboratory methods
- surface evaluation
- project management
- communication
- presentation
- computer skills
- statistical methods
- people management