Research Scientist-Tribology/Driveline

Why Valvoline Global Operations?
 
At Valvoline Global Operations, we’re proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we’ve never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry. Today, as an affiliate of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driven by innovation and committed to creating sustainable solutions for a better future.

With a global presence, we develop future-ready products and provide best-in-class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion.

Our corporate values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence—are at the heart of everything we do. These values define how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we engage with our partners, customers, and the communities we serve. At Valvoline Global, we are united in our commitment to:

•    Treating everyone with care.
•    Acting with unwavering integrity.
•    Striving for excellence in all endeavors.
•    Delivering on our commitments with passion.
•    Collaborating as one unified team.

When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions.

How You’ll Make an Impact
As a Research Scientist, this role will focus on the development and continuous improvement of Valvoline Driveline and EV lubricant products including traditional driveline lubricants for transmissions, gears, and transfer cases, Electric Vehicle (EV) fluids, and other related products. Collaborate closely with the regional Product Strategy team and the OEM team to innovate new product concepts and performance claims. Conduct necessary performance and quality testing to approve/license new formulations and renew existing products. Manage the creation and submission of necessary documentation for industry and OEM specification approvals. Support Valvoline's blending plants, providing production support and managing the introduction of new products, including recipes and quality specifications. Lead scientists, providing direction and mentorship to support safety compliance, project delivery and professional development.

Responsibilities Include
•    Work with a Safety First mindset
•    Lead the formulation development of new EV lubricant fluids including those for hybrid transmissions and battery electric vehicles by evaluating and selecting additives, base oils, and other materials to meet differentiated performance requirements set by OEMs.
•    Understand the mechanical requirements of EV hardware and applications to formulate products to meet the needs of an EV lubricant.  Able to complete a root cause failure analysis if needed.
•    Lead the development of new Driveline lubricant fluids for China region, including those for light-duty and heavy-duty transmissions, gear oils, and transfer cases by evaluating and selecting additives, base oils, and other materials to meet differentiated performance and product application requirements.
•    Present data and claims of Valvoline products to technical and engineering teams during customer meetings in support of the Valvoline OEM team.
•    Design and manage novel testing protocols to validate new product formulations in support of differentiated claims, product licensing, OEM approvals, and regulatory compliance.
•    Support Product Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Key Accounts, and Customer Care by delivering technical expertise, product training, and guidance on performance claims.
•    Lead a team of scientists, ensuring safety compliance while providing direction and mentorship to support successful project execution and career growth.
•    Provide technical support to Valvoline's blending plants, including production troubleshooting, new product introductions, and updates to quality specifications.

What You’ll Need
•    Minimum B.S. in Chemistry or Engineering Discipline with experience
•    Masters or Doctorate in Tribology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or Automotive/Materials Engineering Preferred. 
•    Experience formulating finished lubricants, either for an oil marketer, additive supplier or base oil manufacturer. 
•    Knowledge of transmission, gear, and EV specifications and qualification procedures is advantageous.
•    Experience with analytical test methods and laboratory methods is beneficial, especially surface evaluation such as SEM.
•    Candidate should have experience organizing and managing complex projects and working with tight deadlines. 
•    Knowledge of the lubricant market, including competitors and product landscape.
•    Mathematical modeling of Driveline hardware.
•    Collaborative skills to advance projects both internally and externally.
•    Up to 20% travel requirement, some international travel. 

Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout our recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact us at:.

•    Email: Valvolineglobalcareers@valvolineglobal.com

This contact information is solely for accommodation requests. For inquiries about application status, please use the appropriate channels listed in your application materials.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

At Valvoline Global, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our journey of innovation and excellence. Are you ready to shape the future with us? Apply today.

Requisition ID: 1645