Scientist Lubrication - (NL-SE-DE)

SKF Group; Houten; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SKF Group in the Netherlands (Houten) seeks a high-impact Scientist Lubrication (Leadership role) to lead modeling of Grease Life and Friction, transferring experimental research into scalable models. You will guide cross-functional teams, mentor researchers, and shape SKF lubrication strategies across business segments from Houten, with global collaboration.

The role demands a PhD and 10+ years in bearing lubrication, strong modeling skills, and excellent English communication while

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering or physics/chemical engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in bearing lubrication and modeling.
• Broad knowledge in grease lubrication and modeling techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead Grease Life and Friction modeling and transfer experimental research into models.
• Support lubrication research roadmaps inputs.
• Collaborate with external partners (universities and suppliers).
• Guide technical discussions with customers, suppliers and manufacturers to map future SKF needs.
• Build insights and skills on different lubrication technologies.
• Mentor junior researchers and PhDs in lubrication topics.
• Oversee R&D activities in lubrication and drive innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Lubrication modeling

Experiment design

English communication

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering or physics/chemical engineering

Job description

Do you thrive working with a combination of Research & Technology development and collaborating with people with different competencies? Are you excited about research and innovation? If yes, then please continue reading.

We are the Research & Technology Development (RTD) team at SKF B.V. Netherlands. We are a diverse and multicultural group of creative and innovative professionals primarily based in Houten, the Netherlands. We create value by providing innovative solutions around Research and Technology for bearings. To strengthen the Lubrication Team in Houten we are looking for a:

Scientist Lubrication - (Leadership role) - (Houten (NL), Gothenburg (SE) or Schweinfurt (DE)

This position is a senior role in the team of professional lubrication specialists. As a Scientist, you collaborate and lead Research and Technology development activities to develop, scale up, and transfer the knowledge between RTD and SKF operations. You combine a solid scientific background with a hands-on approach to develop physics-based models to contribute to the area of lubricating grease and bearing performance and life predictability. You will be leading and supporting R&D projects focused on lubrication, Grease Life (Theory) modeling, lubricant, and material selection.

Job Requirements

• A PhD in mechanical engineering or physics/chemical engineering.


• After your PhD, you gained 10+ years of relevant experience in bearing lubrication and modeling.


• A broad and advanced knowledge specifically on grease lubrication and various modeling techniques


• Proven stakeholder management and leadership in identifying the research and technology needs in the area of lubrication and bringing the experts together to solve a technical challenge in the application


• Experience in lubricant selection for bearings, specifications and tribology; high interests to guide & perform experimental research in support of modeling.


• Proven ability to drive full value chain from customers technology needs to R&D and vice versa


• Having a helicopter view on lubrication competence and ability to mentor and coach a group of various experts in the area of lubrication


• Enthusiastic attitude; initiative-taking and pro-active personality; business-focused and result-oriented; advanced communication skills and fluent in English.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the Grease Life and Friction modeling, transferring the experimental research into models, and guiding experimental research.


• Contribute and support in providing the inputs for Lubrication research roadmaps.


• Guide and support the collaboration with external partners (Universities and Suppliers).


• Steer the technical discussion with various stakeholders (customers, suppliers, manufacturers etc.) to contribute to mapping and completing the future needs of various SKF business segments.


• Building insights, knowledge, and skills on different lubrication technologies.


• Aiding in technical development and mentoring of junior specialists like researchers and senior researchers with PhDs.


• Manage and contribute to the Research and Technology development activities around Lubrication. Nurture and support to innovation and knowledge development in the lubrication area.

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in an innovative and well-equipped R&D international environment, which is part of a large, innovative company with a proven reputation. The position is based in the team in the Netherlands (Houten). You will join a team of highly motivated colleagues and you will work in cross-competence projects. We look forward to seeing you develop as a professional who creates a career in SKF, and we will support your steps. Of course, our employment conditions are competitive. SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we passionately believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued growth. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential.

Additional Information

This position will be in Houten (NL), Gothenburg (SE) or Schweinfurt (DE), on a local contract. Preferred location is in Houten, the Netherlands. You will report to the Competence Area Team leader Lubrication.

About SKF

SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. With more than 40,000 employees in around 130 countries, we are truly global. Our products are found everywhere in society. In fact, wherever there is movement, SKF’s solutions might be at work. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world. See more, at www.skf.com.