Expert Technologist, Engine Oil Product Development

Castrol; Pangbourne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Castrol’s Engine Oils Development team in Pangbourne, UK, seeks an Expert Technologist to lead the development of next-generation engine oil formulations for passenger cars and hybrids. You will shape the future oil portfolio, provide technical leadership across projects and collaborate with OEMs, suppliers and global partners in a hybrid-work environment.

You will work with colleagues across Technology, Supply Chain, Marketing and Deployment to drive innovation, manage IP, and champion

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or closely related technical discipline.
• Proven track record in lubricant formulation and performance evaluation.
• Experience collaborating across technical, commercial and operational functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and delivery of new passenger car and hybrid engine oil formulations.
• Drive technical execution across multiple development programmes to meet project plans.
• Provide subject matter expertise in lubricant chemistry and formulation science.
• Support OEM approval and qualification programmes with automotive manufacturers.
• Identify and develop new technologies and additive systems for future differentiation.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Technology, Marketing, Supply Chain and Quality.

Skills

Lubricant chemistry

Formulation development

Performance evaluation

Project management

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Degree in Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Castrol is one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, serving customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Castrol brands are recognised globally for their premium quality and high performance, shaped by the company’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. With products sold in more than 150 countries, Castrol has helped keep things moving on roads and racetracks, air, sea, and space for over 125 years.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready for your next big move, you’re in the right place to explore an exciting career with Castrol.

Job description

About the team

Join Castrol’s Engine Oils Development team in Pangbourne, where innovation, technical excellence and collaboration drive the development of next-generation lubricant technologies for some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

You will become part of a highly skilled team of technologists focused on developing and enhancing engine oil formulations for passenger car and hybrid vehicles. The team works closely with major global OEMs and other leading manufacturers to deliver products that meet evolving industry specifications and future mobility demands.

As an Expert Technologist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Castrol’s future engine oil portfolio, providing technical leadership across development projects while influencing strategic direction for emerging technologies. Working within a globally connected organisation, you will collaborate extensively with colleagues across Technology, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, Quality Assurance and Global Deployment, as well as external partners including OEMs, suppliers and technical consultancies.

This is a hybrid role based in Pangbourne, UK, where our Technology Centre is based.

Key tasks

As a recognised technical expert, you will lead the development and delivery of innovative lubricant products that support Castrol’s global growth strategy and maintain its competitive advantage in the automotive lubricants market.

• Leading the design, development and delivery of new passenger car and hybrid engine oil formulations in line with business and project priorities.
• Driving technical execution across multiple development programmes, ensuring successful delivery against annual project plans.
• Providing subject matter expertise in lubricant chemistry, formulation science and performance evaluation.
• Supporting OEM approval and qualification programmes, working directly with automotive manufacturers and external testing partners.
• Identifying, evaluating and developing new technologies, additive systems and formulation approaches that create future product differentiation.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Technology, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality and Deployment functions.
• Collaborating with suppliers, OEMs, technical consultancies and industry partners to support innovation and project delivery.
• Coaching, mentoring and providing technical guidance to less experienced technologists within the development organisation.
• Contributing to technical strategy and recommending future development directions based on market trends, customer requirements and emerging technologies.
• Managing intellectual property activities associated with development projects, including patents, confidentiality agreements and knowledge protection.
• Championing the use of digital tools, data analytics and technology platforms to accelerate product development, reduce testing costs and enhance technical insight.
• Ensuring projects are delivered in compliance with Castrol’s safety, operational risk and governance requirements.

Experience required

We’re looking for an experienced lubricant development professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5-8 years’ experience within lubricant product development.
• Proven experience developing lubricant formulations, ideally within automotive applications (Strong knowledge of lubricant chemistry, formulation development and performance evaluation.)
• Experience working collaboratively across technical, commercial and operational functions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Experience engaging with OEMs, industry partners or external technical organisations.
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop junior technical colleagues.
• Evidence of leading complex technical projects and delivering results through structured project management approaches.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.

This opportunity would suit a technically accomplished lubricant specialist who is passionate about innovation, enjoys working at the forefront of engine oil development and is ready to influence the future direction of world-class lubricant technologies.

Privacy

The Castrol entity recruiting for this role is the data controller for the personal information you provide. We use it to assess your application and to manage the recruitment and onboarding process. We may share it with service providers who support our recruitment, and it may be transferred to other Castrol entities internationally under appropriate safeguards. We keep it only for as long as necessary. For details of how we use your information and your data protection rights, [e-mail].

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to Castrol recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.).

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.