Research & Development Specialist

-; Richmond; On-site; GBP 87,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking a Research & Development Specialist in Richmond, England. This role involves conducting R&D for innovative technologies, providing consultation, and producing critical Intellectual Property. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, have a strong background in reaction engineering, and experience in CFD simulations. The position offers a competitive salary range of $116,800 - $307,100 with consideration for relocation within company parameters.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health care coverage

Retirement plan

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering required.
• Experience in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes is preferred.
• Strong background on reaction engineering and fluid dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute R&D programs for innovative technologies.
• Conduct CFD simulations and cold flow tests.
• Engage customers to assess technology needs.

Skills

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Strong background in reaction engineering

Ability to conduct CFD simulations

Hands-on experimental and laboratory experience

Solid problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Software packages such as PROII, HYSYS

Job description

Chevron is accepting online applications for the position Research & Development Specialist through 1/12/2026 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).

This research engineer position is in the H2 & Reactor Science Team within the Build For Tomorrow/Molecular Conversion/Innovation Department of Technology, Projects and Execution (TPE), and provides technology and services across the enterprise. This position is located at Chevron's Richmond Technology Center.

The research engineer will conduct R&D to develop innovative technologies, provide technical service and consultation to business units, and produce Intellectual Property critical to Chevron business focusing on reactor design and process development from concepts to commercialization.

Responsibility for this position may include but not limited to:

• Design and execute comprehensive R&D program to develop innovative technologies critical to Chevron's current and future businesses starting from concepts to pilot testing and to commercial deployment and operation, including but not limit to technology developments for low carbon energy transition
• Provide technical service and consultation to Chevron's business units including Downstream refineries and technology Licensing business focusing on reactor internals design for hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes
• Conduct computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and cold flow tests to support process scale-up as well as Chevron upstream, downstream, chemical, and new energy business
• Proactively engage customers to assess new technology needs and gaps; create appropriate programs to fill those needs in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
• Design, operate and troubleshoot bench/pilot scale experimental units which may operate at elevated temperature & pressure (>500F and >1000 psig) and involve potentially toxic chemicals and a broad variety of petroleum derived materials
• Interpret and present experimental results and research progress in written and/or orally
• Work in a multi-disciplinary team and interact with other scientists and engineers as well as customers from upstream/downstream operation business units and external government and industry collaborators.
• Rigorously upholding laboratory safety and compliance policies

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• Strong background on reaction engineering for reactor internal designs with focus on multiphase fluid dynamics, chemical reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer
• Ability to conduct comprehensive CFD simulations
• Hands‑on experimental and laboratory experience including bench/pilot scale unit operation and cold flow testing
• Ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously with solid problem‑solving skills
• Strong commitment to Operational Excellence in lab, office, and field operation environment
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience and in-depth knowledge in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes and catalysis
• Experience in fluidized bed reactor design and operation
• Process simulation and modeling experience using software package such as PROII, HYSYS, etc.
• Ability & prior experience to work with collaborators in the company, universities, national labs, etc.
• Pilot testing, process scale‑up, technology deployment field experience
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues outside their immediate work group

Relocation Options:

Relocation may be considered within Chevron parameters.

International Considerations:

Expatriate assignments will not be considered.

Chevron regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time‑limited Visa status for this position.

Regulatory Disclosure for US Positions

• The compensation and reference to benefits for this role is listed on this posting in compliance with applicable law. The selected candidate's compensation will be determined based on his or her skills, experience, and qualifications. Please note that the compensation and benefits listed below are only applicable to successful candidates who are hired onto local United States payroll.
• The anticipated salary range for this position is $116,800 - $307,100.
• Chevron offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which includes, but is not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at http://hr2.chevron.com/.

Richmond, California