Sr. R&D Chemist - Engine Oils - Applied Research

NewMarket Corporation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan

401k Savings Plan

Medical Insurance

Paid Vacation

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Identity Theft Insurance

Job summary

Afton Chemical Corporation is seeking a senior research leader to drive the HDD technology roadmap, lead multiple projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver performance and cost improvements.

You will interpret data from bench and engine tests, prepare technical reports, and present findings to R&D leadership. A PhD is preferred, with 5+ years in relevant research and development environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemistry or Mechanical / Chemical Engineering.
• Expert knowledge of chemistry or engineering principles in R&D with 5+ years of experience.
• PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the HDD technology roadmap aligned with R&D and business goals.
• Identify emerging tech, trends, and opportunities to improve performance and costs.
• Collaborate with development teams and suppliers to define and execute roadmaps.
• Lead multiple research projects, define timelines, resources, and risks.
• Interpret bench/engine data, generate reports and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Ensure safe lab practices and maintain ISO/Quality System documentation.
• Represent Afton at conferences and contribute to IP activities as needed.

Skills

Decision Making

Business Insight

Analysis and Problem Solving

Communication

Coaching

Managing Performance

Collaboration and Networking

Project Management

Innovation

Dealing with Uncertainty

Safe Lab Practices

Education

Chemistry or Engineering degree

PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About Us

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY

Provides technical leadership for complex and/or non-standard research within the EO Applied Research team, involving the development, and/or performance testing activities to meet stated objectives of the EO SBU. Act as overall or technical project lead and direct the work of other technical team members assigned to the project. High level of communication and presentation skill required. Often responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the technology roadmap that supports current and future Heavy Duty Diesel (HDD) product development programs, aligning research investments with R&D Management and Business objectives.
• Identify emerging technologies, industry trends, competitive advancements, and research opportunities to enable future HDD product performance, reliability, emissions compliance, and cost competitiveness.
• Collaborate with Technology Development teams, subject matter experts, suppliers, and/or mechanical engineering team to define, prioritize, and execute roadmap initiatives.
• Lead and manage multiple concurrent research projects from concept through completion, ensuring technical requirements are clearly defined and achieved. Establishes project timelines, milestones, resource requirements, and risk mitigation plans to ensure successful delivery of project objectives.
• Evaluates and interprets bench and engine testing data or performance. Generates technical reports, presentations, and/or recommendations that communicate findings, technology readiness, risks, and business value to R&D leadership and stakeholders.
• Complete collation of data, final interpretation and written test reports. Consult with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.
• Understand, comply, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
• Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
• Represent Afton in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of Afton.
• Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc

Education & Experience Minimums

• Bachelors or Advanced degree in relevant field such as Chemistry or Mechanical / Chemical Engineering
• Expert level knowledge and understanding of specific chemistry and/or engineering principles and application of those principals in a research and development environment typically acquired after at least 5 years of relevant experience.

Education & Experience Preferred

• PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Relevant work experience in specific product category

Skills/Abilities

• Decision Making - Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure; while based upon appropriate risk and authority
• Business Insight - The understanding of the basis for our business model and how that is realized in the market. The understanding of how business and operations are intimately linked. The ability to use information, practices & trends, affecting the business to engage and drive new strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.
• Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns; utilizing all appropriate tools to reach a robust answer.
• Communication - The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
• Coaching - The ability to provide the structure, environment and support for teaching, training and development of individuals and teams to enable them to achieve specific personal or professional results or goals.
• Managing Performance - Possessing the drive and focus to achieve challenging goals.
• Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives, via engaging interactions and influencing without authority.
• Project Management - The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework, across regional and organizational boundaries
• Innovation - The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions. Can develop, seek out, critically assess and implement new and value adding concepts.
• Dealing with Uncertainty - Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Consistent demonstration of safe lab practices and procedures

Working at Afton

Who We Are

We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work

At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation

Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis. In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

• 100% Company funded Pension Plan
• 401kSavings Plan including a company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft insurance

Pay Range: $87,000 - $105,000

The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.