Chemist/Engineer - Technology Development

NewMarket; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company funded Pension Plan

401k Savings Plan including a company

Paid Vacation

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Dependent and Personal Accident Injury

Identity Theft insurance

Job summary

Afton Chemical Corporation, part of NewMarket Corporation, is seeking a Chemist/Engineer to advance technology development in a fast-paced lab environment in Richmond, VA. You will perform SEM/EDS, nanoindentation, and profilometry to evaluate composition and properties, while maintaining QMS documentation and 5S practices.

Responsibilities include sample prep, updating queues, lab inventory, vendor coordination, and ensuring safety and quality standards in all activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree as specified in the posting.
• Experience ranges provided in the description (3–7 years) may be preferred but not required.
• Understanding of laboratory safety and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform SEM/EDS on test samples to measure chemical composition.
• Perform nanoindentation and scratch testing to measure mechanical properties.
• Measure surface roughness using profilometers to assess wear.
• Prepare samples via cutting, grinding, polishing for characterization.
• Update submission queues and communicate timelines to customers.
• Maintain lab inventory and track samples.
• Coordinate with vendors for instrument troubleshooting and repair.
• Demonstrate use of Afton Product Development Process.
• Adhere to safety regulations and ensure proper documentation.

Skills

SEM/EDS

Nanoindentation

Profilometry

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Safety awareness

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Chemist/Engineer - Technology Development

Job Category: Research & Development

Requisition Number: CHEMI001059

• Posted : October 8, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

About Us

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY: Perform routine material characterization using SEM/EDS, nanoindentation, scratch testing, and profilometry to evaluate chemical composition, mechanical properties, surface roughness, and wear. Prepare samples as required and maintain accurate sample-tracking, and Quality System documentation. Manage test submission and completion queues, providing customers with timely updates regarding schedules and delays. Maintain laboratory readiness through inventory control, 5S practices, safe work procedures, and coordination with vendors for instrument troubleshooting and repair.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform routine Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) on test samples for measuring chemical composition
• Perform routine nanoindentation and scratch testing on test samples for measuring mechanical properties
• Perform routine surface topography measurements using optical and stylus profilometers to measure roughness and wear
• Perform sample preparation (cutting. grinding, polishing etc.) for material characterization as needed
• Update test submission and completion queues on a regular basis to keep customers informed of expected timelines and delays
• Maintain lab inventory by tracking samples received into and transferred out of the lab
• Take ownership of communication with vendors for instrument breakdowns, diagnosis and fixes.
• Demonstrate effective use and leadership of the Afton Product Development Process.
• Understand, comply, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
• Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
• Keep lab organized and compliant with 5S principles.
• Implement necessary corrective actions to keep lab compliant with Safety and Quality standards of the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineering (or other relevant science field)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• 3-7 years of relevant working experience

For NewMarket or Afton employees, an appropriate combination of experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Decision Making - Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure; while based upon appropriate risk and authority
• Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns; utilize all appropriate tools to reach a robust answer.
• Communication - The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
• Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives, via engaging and rewarding interactions. Through this network, provide support and exert influence. Influencing without authority.
• Project Management - The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework, across regional and organizational boundaries
• Innovation - The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions. Can develop, seek out, critically assess and implement new and value adding concepts.
• Dealing with Uncertainty - Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Basic computer literacy (i.e. Microsoft Office, Word, Excel)
• Demonstrates understanding and application of safe lab practices and procedures

Working at Afton

Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions.We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation - Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis. In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

• 100% Company funded Pension Plan
• 401k Savings Plan including a company match
• Paid Vacation
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft insurance

Pay Range: $60,000 - $70,000

The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.