Technologist - Advanced Fluids Research

Castrol; Pangbourne; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Castrol is seeking a Technologist to join its Advanced Fluids Research team in Pangbourne. This role focuses on fluid formulation and performance across thermal management and industrial fluid applications, offering deep technical exposure and collaboration with OEMs, suppliers and testing partners.

You will design experiments, develop new formulations, analyse data and produce clear technical recommendations while upholding safety and quality standards in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant industrial experience.
• Experience in fluid formulation, especially lubricants/thermal fluids.
• Strong laboratory planning and data documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and run experimental programmes.
• Develop and evaluate fluid formulations.
• Analyse data and translate findings into recommendations.
• Collaborate with OEMs, suppliers and external partners.
• Work with modelling, testing and product development teams to apply outputs.
• Produce high‑quality technical reports and updates.
• Contribute to development of new testing methodologies and research approaches.
• Maintain safety, quality and laboratory best practices.

Skills

Fluid formulation

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical 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

The Team

Join Castrol’s Advanced Fluids Research team in Pangbourne, a diverse and highly collaborative group of 17‑18 engineers, chemists and formulators working at the forefront of fluid technology innovation. The team combines expertise across a wide range of applications, including automotive and hybrid powertrains, battery thermal management, data centre cooling, marine systems, industrial lubricants, wind turbine lubrication, greases, speciality fluids, and even space and extreme‑environment technologies.

You’ll work alongside colleagues ranging from early‑career scientists and engineers through to recognised technical experts, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading specialists. The culture is inquisitive, supportive and ambitious, with a strong focus on solving complex engineering challenges through high‑quality science, experimentation and collaboration.

This role offers the chance to develop deep technical expertise while working closely with internal specialists, OEMs, universities, suppliers, engineering consultancies and testing partners to help shape the next generation of mobility and energy solutions.

Key Tasks

As a Technologist, you will contribute to research programmes focused on fluid formulation and performance across thermal management, e‑drive lubrication and industrial fluid applications.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Designing, planning and executing experimental programmes using laboratory, analytical, rig and vehicle‑related test methods.
• Developing and evaluating fluid formulations using both existing and emerging raw materials.
• Analysing experimental data, identifying key trends and translating findings into clear technical recommendations.
• Supporting research projects that address current and future technology challenges in collaboration with OEMs, suppliers and external research partners.
• Working closely with formulation, analytical, modelling, testing and product development teams to ensure research outputs are effectively applied.
• Producing high‑quality technical reports, presentations and project updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to the development of new testing methodologies and research approaches.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation, intellectual property generation and further technical investigation.
• Maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance and laboratory best practice.
• Continuously building technical knowledge in areas such as thermal management fluids, driveline lubrication and industrial fluid technologies.

Experience Required

We’re looking for a chemist or chemical engineer with a strong technical foundation and a passion for research, experimentation and fluid technology.

You will typically bring:

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• At least 2 years of relevant industrial experience within research, product development, testing, formulation or a related technical environment.
• Experience of fluid formulation, ideally within lubricants, transmission fluids, thermal management fluids or broader industrial chemistry applications.
• Strong practical laboratory skills, including experimental planning, testing, data collection and technical documentation.
• The ability to analyse complex datasets, identify meaningful trends and communicate evidence‑based conclusions.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to work within multidisciplinary teams while learning from subject matter experts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A strong commitment to safety, compliance and quality standards.
• Experience within the lubricants industry would be highly advantageous, although applications from adjacent sectors such as industrial chemistry, speciality chemicals or relevant formulation‑based environments will also be considered.

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.