Principal Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Schlumberger Limited is seeking a Principal Chemist to lead the Production Maximization team in Sugar Land, Texas. You will provide technical leadership for a global portfolio of production chemistry technologies designed to maximize oil and gas production and asset performance.

The role requires turning complex technical challenges into practical customer solutions, with strong communication and collaboration across R&D, applications, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or a related technical field with advanced degree preferred.
• Strong analytical and characterization capabilities.
• Experience interpreting structure–property–performance relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for 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 impact.
• Design and optimize innovative production chemistry formulations addressing customer needs.

Skills

Production chemistry

Phase separation

Water clarification

Emulsion treatment

Flow improvement

Education

Ph.D. or MS in Chemistry or related field

BS in Chemistry or related field

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.

Global adventure, broad exposure, and limitless learning await you. You'll be part of the most multi‑cultural and diverse team of experts in any industry, anywhere.

Insurance

Health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents available from day one.

Learning Opportunities

Global adventure, broad exposure, and limitless learning await you. You'll be part of the most multi‑cultural and diverse team of experts in any industry, anywhere.

Diverse and Inclusive

Our exceptional and diverse people are the pulse and spirit of who we are. Every day, you will enrich your knowledge in an environment where differences in thought, creativity and experiences are embraced.

About Us

We are a global technology company, driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. Together, we create amazing technology that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all.

Global in outlook, local in practice – and with a united, shared passion for discovering solutions, we hire talented, driven people and support them to succeed, personally and professionally.

SLB is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation / modification to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability to assist in the hiring process, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail] to request assistance. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.

SLB is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor- priority referral Protected Veterans requested.