Fuels Engineer

Chevron; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Chevron is seeking a Fuels Engineer at its Richmond, California facility. The role involves independently designing and coordinating applied engine R&D programs to develop new fuel and fuel additive formulations and claims for the Fuel Technology team, with emphasis on communicating technical insights to internal stakeholders.

The position requires advanced degrees in mechanical or chemical engineering, strong communication and project management skills, and experience in automotive engine

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• Knowledge of practical operation of modern automotive gasoline engines, including critical engine systems and failure diagnostics.
• Knowledge of theoretical operation of modern automotive gasoline engines, including combustion, emissions, and lubrication fundamentals.
• Experience developing and supervising internal combustion engine R&D testing programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for proposals and results.
• Ability to reinforce Chevron Way behaviours and Operational Excellence culture.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and execution skills, including independent work.
• Teamwork and relationship-building across teams and OEMs.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D programs evaluating gasoline and fuel additive formulations in engines and vehicles.
• Build and maintain relationships with OEMs, suppliers, and technical teams.
• Serve as SME on engine, fuels, vehicle technologies, regulations, and low‑carbon fuels.
• Use lab resources to design tests, analyze results, and communicate findings.
• Develop fuel additive formulations and experimental tools for diverse engine technologies.
• Stay updated on global fuel industry requirements and trends.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical & problem solving

Project management

Teamwork & collaboration

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering

PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Chevron is accepting online applications for the position of Fuels Engineer for Richmond, California November 16th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The Fuels Technology (FT) team is comprised of chemists, engineers, and technical specialists who are responsible for the research and development, quality assurance, and integrity consultation of fuel and fuel additive products. FT supports Downstream, Midstream and Chemicals business partners including Fuel Sales, Manufacturing, Products Supply & Trading (PSAT), and Oronite.

This position reports to the Manager of FT and is located at Chevron's Richmond Technology Center. The successful candidate will be expected to independently design, coordinate, and conduct applied engine research and development programs, leading to the development of new fuel and fuel additive product formulations and claims in support of FT’s business partners, with a strong emphasis on effectively communicating technical insights—including vehicle and engine technologies and regulatory developments—to key internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:

• Manage research and development programs focused on evaluating the performance of new and existing gasoline and gasoline fuel additive formulations in engines and vehicles. Performance evaluation includes deposit control, fuel economy, and emissions.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vehicle and engine manufacturers (OEMs), additive suppliers, research organizations, and technical and business teams across Chevron.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to stakeholders across the Downstream, Midstream and Chemicals business, on topics including internal combustion engine technologies, fuels technologies, vehicle technologies, fuels and vehicle regulations, low‑carbon and renewable fuels, and fuel additives.
• Efficiently use the resources available in the Chevron Richmond Engine Laboratory to meet R&D objectives. This includes effectively communicating test requirements and test design to test engineers and technicians, along with analyzing test results through technician reports and in‑person engine and vehicle inspections, when needed.
• Work with other SMEs to develop new fuel additive formulations and experimental tools to evaluate out‑of‑the‑box concepts focused on a wide range of engine technologies.
• Develop knowledge of existing and upcoming global fuel industry requirements, and industry trends, and adapt research and development programs as needed.
• Develop engineering‑level models of fuel, engine, or vehicle systems to support analysis and R&D programs.
• Prepare and make technical presentations, with the objective of communicating new technologies, to internal and external customers and OEMs.
• The position requires the ability to manage multiple projects effectively, to carry work projects forward with minimal supervision, and to maintain clear communication and productive work relationships.
• Collaboration both within the team, across team and OpCo boundaries, and OEMs is expected.
• Providing work direction to both exempt and non‑exempt employees is expected.
• Bring a willingness to learn & grow skillsets beyond traditional job functions to support Chevron as it navigates the Energy Transition.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• Knowledge on the practical operation of modern automotive gasoline engines, including critical engine systems, engine component function and design, and failure diagnostics.
• Knowledge on the theoretical operation of modern automotive gasoline engines, including combustion, emissions, and lubrication fundamentals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and supervisinginternal combustion engine R&D testing programs.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills, in the development and presentation of proposals and performance results.
• Demonstrated experience reinforcing the Chevron Way behaviors and commitment to Chevron's Operational Excellence culture.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated project management and execution skills, including the ability to work independently, with excellent project planning, organizational, and multi‑tasking skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and relationship‑building skills that illustrate a passion for teamwork and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or physical sciences.
• 5+ years of fuel additives or automotive industry experience, with a focus on fuels, additives, and engine combustion/emissions.
• Demonstrated experience using commercial engineering software to develop engineering‑level models of the interactions between fuels and engine, vehicle, or transportation systems.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing advanced diagnostics of engines (optical diagnostics, in‑cylinder measurements, etc.) to study fuel‑engine interactions.
• Demonstrated experience developing computer‑based computational models to solve complex problems.
• Demonstrated experience consulting on multi‑disciplinary problems with teams of subject‑matter experts.
• Demonstrated expertise in the fuels value chain and associated infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience developing and supervisinginternal combustion engine R&D testing programs at 3rd party facilities.

Regulatory Disclosure For US Positions

• The compensation and reference to benefits for this role is listed on this posting in compliance with applicable law. Please note that the compensation and benefits listed below are only applicable for U.S. payroll offers.
• The anticipated salary range for this position is $137,600 – $237,800. The selected candidate’s compensation will be determined based on their skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Chevron offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which includes, but is not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at http://hr2.chevron.com/.

Relocation Options

Relocation may be considered.

International Considerations

Expatriate assignments may be considered.