Fuels Engineer

3197 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. - Chevron Global Downstream; United States; On-site; USD 138,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Chevron Corporation in Richmond, CA, is seeking a Fuels Engineer to design, coordinate, and conduct applied engine research and development programs for fuel and additive formulations. You will work with chemists, engineers, and technical specialists to communicate insights to internal stakeholders and partners.

The role requires leading R&D projects, building SME-level knowledge on engine technologies, and delivering technical presentations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• Knowledge of modern automotive gasoline engines, including critical engine systems and design.
• Experience in developing and supervising internal combustion engine R&D testing programs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for proposals and results.
• Ability to work independently with strong project planning and multitasking skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D programs evaluating gasoline formulations and additives in engines and vehicles.
• Build relationships with OEMs, suppliers, and technical teams.
• Serve as SME on engine and fuels technologies, vehicle regulations, and low-carbon fuels.
• Use lab resources to meet R&D objectives and interpret test results.
• Develop fuel additive formulations and tools to evaluate engine concepts.
• Keep knowledge of global fuel industry requirements and trends up to date.
• Develop engineering-level models to support R&D programs.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to stakeholders.

Skills

Engine knowledge

R&D testing

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

MS in mechanical or chemical engineering

PhD (preferred)

Job description

Chemical, oil, & gas process or product research. Includes work focused on creating something that doesn't exist yet or solving problems that require an extended period of study. Includes strategic and production research related consulting. Does not include software development. 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.

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 supervising internal 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 supervising internal 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.

U.S. Regulatory notice:

Chevron is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, reproductive health decision‑making, military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other characteristics protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please email us at [e-mail]. Chevron participates in E-Verify in certain locations as required by law.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company's operations. Chevron is based in Houston, Texas. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.