Senior Technologist, Hybrid Engines Research

Castrol; Pangbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Castrol is seeking a highly experienced mechanical/tribology engineer to join the Advanced Fluids Research group. You will lead research programs on lubricant behaviour in hybrid and ICE powertrains, design tests, and translate findings into customer value.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive or tribology research, strong hands-on test capability, and a track record of independent project leadership within cross-functional teams including OEMs and universities.

Qualifications

• Degree in a mechanical/automotive discipline with tribology focus.
• Typically 5+ years hands-on mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience designing and interpreting engine tests and tribology experiments.

Responsibilities

• Lead research programmes on lubricant behaviour in hybrid/ICE powertrains.
• Develop and validate representative hybrid test methods.
• Produce technical recommendations and data packages for product development.
• Coordinate with product development, testing, modelling, and commercial teams.
• Build relationships with OEMs, universities and test labs.

Skills

Strong communication

Project leadership

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Education

Mechanical engineering

Automotive engineering

Tribology

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.

Job Description

About the team:

You will be part of Castrol’s Advanced Fluids Research group: A multi‑disciplinary team of 18 engineers, chemists, formulators and technologists .Deep expertise ranging from hybrid lubricants and ICE research to hydrogen, battery thermal management, driveline fluids, data centre cooling and electrification. A culture defined by technical curiosity, collaboration, safety, practical problem‑solving and turning insight into differentiated technology

Key tasks

• Lead research programmes exploring lubricant behaviour in hybrid, range‑extender and ICE conditions, generating fundamental insights into water accumulation, fuel dilution, contaminant effects, friction, wear and fuel economy
• Develop and validate representative hybrid test methods: engine test‑cell cycles, vehicle trials, bench ageing protocols, tribology screening and in‑situ oil analysis
• Produce clear technical recommendations and data packages that influence product development, OEM collaborations and customer discussions
• Translate real‑world vehicle operation and future market trends into research priorities that strengthen Castrol’s hybrid technology strategy
• Work closely with internal teams across product development, testing, analytical science, modelling, electrification and commercial functions to ensure research outputs become real customer value
• Build and manage relationships with OEMs, universities, engineering consultancies, test labs and industry bodies
• Identify and protect intellectual property through invention disclosures, patents and publications
• Maintain exceptional safety, quality and compliance standards across all experimental work
• Coach and support technologists and graduates, sharing expertise in engine testing, lubricant performance and hybrid powertrain operation

Experience required

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, tribology, or a closely related discipline
• Required experience is typically acquired through 5+ years of hands‑on mechanical engineering experience, within automotive, powertrain, lubricants, fuels, tribology or applied research environments, although we welcome candidates who can
• Demonstrate the required level of technical expertise through equivalent experience
• Strong technical understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, plug‑in hybrids and range‑extender architectures
• Proven ability to design, commission and interpret engine tests, vehicle trials, bench tests and tribology experiments
• Self‑sufficient project leadership: able to run programmes independently, manage ambiguity, elevate appropriately and deliver at pace
• Experience collaborating with internal and international teams (UK, Germany, China) and managing suppliers, universities or external partners
• Strong communication skills, able to engage hands‑on engineers through to board‑level stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to safe, compliant and high‑quality experimental work
• Lubricants / fluids / tribology experience is beneficial but can be developed if your engineering foundation is strong

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, contact [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.