Principal Chemist

ChampionX; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package starting day one

Job summary

ChampionX in Sugar Land, Texas, seeks a Principal Chemist to lead the production chemistry program, advancing phase separation, water clarification, emulsion control, and flow improvement to maximize oil and gas production. You will guide global technology development, translate complex science into practical customer solutions, and collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, and field teams.

The ideal candidate brings advanced degrees with strong analytical skills and a track record of applying

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or a related technical field; Ph.D. or MS with 2+ years relevant experience, or BS with 4+ years.
• Experience in synthetic chemistry, surface science, or polymer/small-molecule development with strong analytical capabilities.
• Understanding structure-property-performance relationships and applying them to production chemistry challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to interpret incomplete data, and drive decisions forward.

Responsibilities

• Lead theoretical and applied research to solve production chemistry challenges including phase separation, emulsion treatment, water clarification, and flow improvements.
• Drive strategic technology and product development projects with global relevance and measurable business impact.
• Design and optimize innovative production chemistry formulations addressing customer needs and field performance.
• Develop and refine laboratory test methods and protocols to evaluate product performance and support technology deployment.
• Interpret experimental and field data, generate actionable insights, and communicate findings clearly.

Skills

Production chemistry leadership

Phase separation expertise

Emulsion treatment knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Design of Experiments

Data analytics

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

M.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Chemistry

Job description

Disclaimer: SLB completed the acquisition of ChampionX on July 16, 2025. If selected for this position, your employment will begin with ChampionX and will transition to SLB as part of the planned integration.

We are seeking a Principal Chemist to join our Production Maximization team in Sugar Land, Texas. In this role, you will provide technical leadership for a global portfolio of production chemistry technologies designed to maximize oil and gas production. You will lead the development and advancement of chemistry solutions for phase separation, water clarification, emulsion resolution, and flow improvement- helping customers improve asset performance, production efficiency, and overall operational reliability. The ideal candidate brings the ability to turn complex technical challenges into practical, customer-focused solutions. You are an effective communicator, a collaborative partner, and a scientist who thrives in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

This is an opportunity to join a growing organization where you can lead innovation, influence product strategy, and deliver measurable value to customers across the energy industry.

What’s in it For You:

Make an impact and shape your career with a company committed to growth and innovation. Join an organization that values diverse perspectives, inclusive collaboration, and the power of great teams. Thrive in a company that prioritizes sustainability and fosters a strong safety-first culture. Access a comprehensive benefits package starting on day one, including medical, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), and more.

What You Will Do:

• Champion a strong safety culture by upholding company standards, promoting best practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Lead theoretical and applied research to solve complex production chemistry challenges related to phase separation, emulsion treatment, water clarification, and flow improvement.
• Drive strategic technology and product development projects with global relevance and meaningful impact on the business.
• Design and optimize innovative production chemistry formulations that address customer needs and improve field performance.
• Develop and refine laboratory test methods, screening protocols, and application approaches to evaluate product performance and support successful technology deployment.
• Interpret experimental and field data, generate actionable insights, and communicate findings through clear technical reports and presentations.
• Advance continuous improvement across products, processes, and technical workflows to support responsible energy production and long-term business growth.
• Collaborate across R&D, applications, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams to move technologies from concept through field adoption.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry or a related technical field: Ph.D. or M.S. with 2 years of relevant experience, or B.S. with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in synthetic chemistry, surface science, or polymer or small-molecule development, supported by strong analytical and characterization capabilities.
• Understanding structure-property-performance relationships and the ability to apply that knowledge to practical production chemistry challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret incomplete data, make sound technical judgments, and drive decisions forward.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry or a related technical field: Ph.D. or M.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience, or B.S. with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to engage with customers, identify technical needs, and translate those needs into differentiated production chemistry solutions.
• Experience scaling products from laboratory development to pilot and full production, including close collaboration with manufacturing and operations teams.
• Experience with Design of Experiments, data analytics, or statistical tools to accelerate formulation development and optimize performance is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, sound prioritization skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across technical, operational, customer, and leadership audiences.

Physical Demands:

Role is deemed safety-sensitive and may be subject to employer or customer drug testing.

About Us

ChampionX is now part of SLB, a global technology company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. We are a technology company that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. Today, we face a global imperative to create a future with more energy, but less carbon. Our diverse, innovative change makers are focused on going further in innovation and inventing the new energy technologies we need to get there. For more news and information, visit SLB.com. Follow us on Facebook at @WeAreSLBGlobal, LinkedIn: SLBGlobal, or Instagram at @SLBGlobal.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We believe the best teams are diverse and inclusive, and we are on a journey to create a workplace where every employee can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement on the basis of individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.