R&D Leader Mexico (F/M/D)

Klüber Lubrication; Santiago de Querétaro; On-site; MXN 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diversity & Inclusion

Paid Holidays

Corporate Events

Flexible Work Models

Family Insurance Plan

Job summary

Klüber Lubrication seeks an R&D Leader in Mexico to drive regional product development and tribology initiatives. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and global teams to align on customer needs and technology strategy.

The role requires leading multiple projects, coordinating external trials, and safeguarding knowledge through detailed records, while advancing regional and global expertise in lubricants and related materials.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Chemistry, Tribology, Mechanical, Polymer or Materials Science.
• Minimum 3 years in R&D within lubricants or specialty chemicals.
• Strong communication in English and Spanish; intercultural collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional R&D activities with market and commercial teams.
• Drive capital investments and strategic initiatives for the region.
• Grow R&D competencies in regional and global teams.
• Coordinate external pilot and field trials in the region.
• Maintain high HSE standards and rigorous documentation.
• Represent the company at external meetings and contribute to publications.

Skills

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Tribology knowledge

Project management

R&D mindset

Education

MS/PhD in Chemistry or Tribology related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Lotus Notes

SAP

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: "We will wow your world!" This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 52,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments.

Klüber Lubrication is a global leader in specialty lubrication and part of the Freudenberg Group. With subsidiaries in 30+ countries and partners worldwide, our custom solutions support nearly every industry - from automotive to food processing. Join us to drive innovation, sustainability, and lasting impact - Together beyond lubrication.

Some of your Benefits

Diversity & Inclusion: We focus on providing an inclusive environment and recognize our diversity contributes to our success.

Paid Holidays: With paid-time off, local holidays are all the way more relaxing.

Corporate Events: We celebrate success as a team, because only together can we achieve our goals.

Flexible Work Models: We allow for flexible work models to ensure both professional and personal success.

Family Insurance Plan: All-important health protection for self, spouse and eligible children.

Klüber Lubrication NA LP is an equal opportunity employer with leadership and a culture that support diversity and inclusion.

Queretaro

On-Site

Klüber Lubricacion Mexicana S.A. de C.V.

The R&D Chemist will work independently or in collaboration with the Regional team to solve problems and support the R&D team of GPI at Kluber North America. He or she will be responsible for developing new products to meet customer specifications as needed, assessing material technologies, test concepts and ideas and perform fundamental research to support the knowledge growth of the team in the region and globally. Communicate with Sales Engineers and Market managers and application engineering to understand regional and global trends to drive innovation. Utilize best practices for laboratory settings and provide input for organizational and laboratory processes and procedures.

R&D Leader Mexico (F/M/D)

Responsibilities

• Have regular regional exchange with market teams and commercial teams as needed by the Innovation and Product Technology team
• Contribute needs for capital investment and propose strategic initiatives that may be supportive to the team during regular reviews
• Grow R&D competencies and knowledge in the teams (regional and global)
• Coordinate external pilot and or field trials of product technology around the region as needed
• Constantly develop a comprehensive understanding of related theories, tests and methods to use tribology and R&D as a value creating entity for the organization in the scope of all markets and segments for KLNA
• Support the growth of technical expertise in the R&D department by participation in industry technical meetings as well as the coordination of university collaborations
• Lead and Execute own development projects, related Research initiatives and work in parallel to above leadership topics as delegated from Head of R&D, Tribology and Laboratories
• Lead and execute multiple and large-scale projects simultaneously, ensuring sound communication standards and effective execution compliant to HSE, Material management, technology introduction and other topics
• Keep organized and detailed records of laboratory work while maintaining strict knowledge protection
• Collaborate with others in the preparation of scientific reports, journal articles and posters
• Represent the company at external meetings/seminars/conferences
• Contribute ideas for innovation projects, new method development, departmental team growth and industry awareness of product and solution outcomes
• Maintain and drive the highest HSE standards
• Other duties as assigned by management and the Head of R&D, Tribology and Laboratories
• Independently drive development projects with minimal guidance
• Execute highly complex and theoretical projects as well as associated administrative requirements
• Complete full documentation of lab and project work according to Kluber standards (SAP, Memo, Lotus Notes, etc.)
• Demonstrate methodical, structured approach to problem solving as well as a strong foundation in experimental methodology
• Accurately estimate resource needs based on complexity of tasks
• Introduce and execute new ideas, anticipate future trends and be open to new perspectives
• Share best practices and know-how within organization
• Read and write internal and external publications, draw conclusions for the organization
• Evaluation of new raw materials, processes and technologies
• Know state of the art within area of responsibility and build expertise to be shared with regional and global teams
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary project leadership skills
• Act as a role model, motivating and encouraging others to do their best
• Consult internal and external personnel on an international level: customers, Sales/marketing/PPM and R&D.
• Demonstrate intercultural skills
• Seek international knowledge, cultural exchange and communication
• Seek necessary help in time using appropriate internal network

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Research and Development within the Lubricant Industry/ Specialty Chemicals
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in scientific research and engineering capacity
• MS Degree or PhD in Chemistry, Tribology Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or related field of study (preferred)
• Proficiency with computer systems including Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, SAP
• Good knowledge of R&D processes and project management in a technical environment and GMP
• Background in tribological testing and analysis of rotating equipment failure modes
• Minimum 1+years of experience in the lubrication industry (preferred)
• Self-Starter, intrinsically motivated individual who is results driven and action oriented
• Excellent language skills in English and Spanish
• Open to work short term (0-6mo) in varying regional locations as needed for training and onboarding

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.