Research And Development Engineer

ClinLab Solutions Group; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ClinLab Solutions Group is seeking an R&D Engineer, Energy to lead the development and formulation of drilling fluids and additives for oil and gas applications. You will manage laboratory operations with high autonomy, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and support customer requirements with technically sound solutions.

The role emphasizes project management, strong communication, and hands-on formulation work, including scale-up collaboration with operations and engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years in drilling fluids or drilling fluid additives; 8+ years preferred.
• Laboratory and formulation experience, with a track record of independently owning product development decisions.
• Experience working with plant operators, customers, and sales teams, and managing at least one direct report or technician.
• Field fluids/mud engineering experience is a plus, provided there is also lab experience.
• PhD in a relevant discipline, or exposure to cementing or production chemicals, is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, including experience with customer-facing technical presentations.
• Proficiency in project management tools and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and formulation of new drilling fluids and additives, ensuring alignment with technical and market needs.
• Direct laboratory operations, supervise a technician, and establish testing protocols for product development and raw material qualification.
• Collaborate with sales and customers to provide technical support, conduct presentations, and address product performance inquiries.
• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities by analyzing market trends and customer feedback.
• Coordinate with operations and engineering teams to support scale-up projects and improve manufacturing processes.
• Manage R&D project timelines, documentation, and reporting to ensure project milestones are met efficiently.
• Maintain laboratory safety, organization, and compliance with established quality standards and procedures.
• Travel approximately 10–15% to customer sites and regional facilities as required for project and technical support.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Formulation experience

Independent product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-facing presentations

Project management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

The R&D Engineer, Energy is responsible for leading product development initiatives in drilling fluids and additives for oil and gas applications. This role involves high autonomy in managing laboratory operations, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting customer requirements. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, project management, and strong interpersonal skills to drive innovation and deliver technical solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and formulation of new drilling fluids and additives, ensuring alignment with technical and market needs.
• Direct laboratory operations, supervise a technician, and establish testing protocols for product development and raw material qualification.
• Collaborate with sales and customers to provide technical support, conduct presentations, and address product performance inquiries.
• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities by analyzing market trends and customer feedback.
• Coordinate with operations and engineering teams to support scale-up projects and improve manufacturing processes.
• Manage R&D project timelines, documentation, and reporting to ensure project milestones are met efficiently.
• Maintain laboratory safety, organization, and compliance with established quality standards and procedures.
• Travel approximately 10–15% to customer sites and regional facilities as required for project and technical support.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in drilling fluids or drilling fluid additives; 8+ years preferred.
• Demonstrated laboratory and formulation experience, with a track record of independently owning product development decisions.
• Experience working with plant operators, customers, and sales teams, and managing at least one direct report or technician.
• Field fluids/mud engineering experience is a plus, provided there is also lab experience.
• PhD in a relevant discipline, or exposure to cementing or production chemicals, is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, including experience with customer-facing technical presentations.
• Proficiency in project management tools and technical documentation.