Senior Lubricant R&D Scientist

Mykelly; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking an experienced Research & Development Chemist to lead the development, formulation, optimization, and technical support of specialty lubricant products in Berlin, WI.

The ideal candidate will develop new lubricant formulations, improve existing products, evaluate raw materials, troubleshoot technical issues, and collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, suppliers, and customers to meet performance, quality, regulatory and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry or a related science.
• 10 years of laboratory experience with at least 5 years in product development/formulation in lubricants.
• Strong knowledge of industrial lubricant chemistry and formulation.
• Experience with ASTM and other standard lubricant test methods.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and data‑interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop new industrial lubricant formulations to support product portfolio growth.
• Optimize existing formulations to improve performance, stability, reliability, manufacturability, and cost effectiveness.
• Evaluate alternative and second‑source raw materials to improve supply‑chain flexibility and cost competitiveness.
• Conduct laboratory testing, benchmarking, and comparative product evaluations.
• Analyze data and make technical recommendations based on test results.
• Mentor and train laboratory personnel on test methods and procedures.
• Provide technical support to Manufacturing during production trials and process troubleshooting.
• Investigate manufacturing deviations and propose formulation or process improvements.

Skills

Lubricant chemistry

Formulation development

Base oils

Additive technology

Tribology

Analytical testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related science

Tools

ASTM test methods

Job description

Kelly Services is seeking an experienced Research & Development Chemist to lead the development, formulation, optimization, and technical support of specialty lubricant products in Berlin, WI.

The ideal candidate will develop new lubricant formulations, improve existing products, evaluate raw materials, troubleshoot technical issues, and collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, suppliers, and customers to meet performance, quality, regulatory and customer requirements.