Chief Chemist - Automotive Chemicals

Petra Automotive Products; Cypress (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive solutions provider is seeking a visionary Director of Research & Development to lead innovation in automotive chemicals, fuels, and lubricants. The ideal candidate will drive quality control and formulation excellence, making a real-world impact. This role requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and 5+ years of experience in the field. Join us in shaping the future of our products through innovation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in formulation and quality control in the automotive, fuel, or lubricant industries.
• Proven success leading R&D or QC teams.
• Familiarity with analytical software a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation in automotive chemicals, fuels, and lubricants.
• Drive quality control and formulation excellence.
• See work make a real-world difference.

Skills

Leadership in R&D

Formulation and quality control

Analytical chemistry

Experience with ASTM procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

GC

GC/MS

FTIR

AES

LIMS

Job description

We’re seeking a visionary and experienced R&D Chemist to serve as our Director of Research & Development.

You’ll lead innovation in automotive chemicals, fuels, and lubricants—driving quality control, formulation excellence, and the next generation of Petra products.

This is a high-impact role for a professional who loves to innovate, lead, and see their work make a real-world difference.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in formulation and quality control in the automotive, fuel, or lubricant industries.
• Proven success leading R&D or QC teams.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry (GC, GC/MS, FTIR, AES preferred).
• Experience with ASTM procedures (D2, D15, etc.).
• Familiarity with LIMS and analytical software a plus.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

• Motor Vehicle Manufacturing