Fuels Engineer

Chevron•Richmond, CA

4d•$137,600 - $237,800•Onsite

About The Position

Chevron’s Fuels Technology team comprises chemists, engineers, and technical specialists responsible for research and development, quality assurance, and integrity consultation for fuel and fuel additive products. The team supports Downstream, Midstream, and Chemicals business partners, including Fuel Sales, Manufacturing, Products Supply & Trading, and Oronite. The Fuels Engineer reports to the Manager of FT and is based at Chevron’s Richmond Technology Center in Richmond, California. The successful candidate will independently design, coordinate, and conduct applied engine research and development programs that support the development of fuel and fuel additive formulations and product claims. The role emphasizes communicating technical insights—including vehicle and engine technologies and regulatory developments—to internal stakeholders. It also involves leading projects, collaborating across teams and with OEMs, and providing work direction to exempt and non-exempt employees.

Requirements

Master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
Knowledge of the practical operation of modern automotive gasoline engines, including critical engine systems, component functions and design, and failure diagnostics.
Knowledge of the theoretical operation of modern automotive gasoline engines, including combustion, emissions, and lubrication fundamentals.
Demonstrated experience developing and supervising internal combustion engine R&D testing programs.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including developing and presenting proposals and performance results.
Experience reinforcing Chevron Way behaviors and commitment to Chevron’s Operational Excellence culture.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Project management and execution skills, including the ability to work independently, plan and organize projects, and multitask effectively.
Teamwork and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or physical sciences.
At least 5 years of fuel additives or automotive industry experience focused on fuels, additives, and engine combustion or emissions.
Experience using commercial engineering software to develop engineering-level models of interactions between fuels and engine, vehicle, or transportation systems.
Experience using advanced engine diagnostics, such as optical diagnostics and in-cylinder measurements, to study fuel-engine interactions.
Experience developing computer-based computational models to solve complex problems.
Experience consulting on multidisciplinary problems with teams of subject-matter experts.
Expertise in the fuels value chain and associated infrastructure.
Experience developing and supervising internal combustion engine R&D testing programs at third-party facilities.

Responsibilities

Manage research and development programs evaluating the performance of new and existing gasoline and gasoline fuel additive formulations in engines and vehicles, including deposit control, fuel economy, and emissions.
Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vehicle and engine manufacturers (OEMs), additive suppliers, research organizations, and Chevron technical and business teams.
Serve as a subject-matter expert for Downstream, Midstream, and Chemicals stakeholders on internal combustion engine technologies, fuels technologies, vehicle technologies, fuels and vehicle regulations, low-carbon and renewable fuels, and fuel additives.
Use resources in the Chevron Richmond Engine Laboratory effectively to meet R&D objectives; communicate test requirements and designs to test engineers and technicians and analyze results through reports and, when needed, in-person engine and vehicle inspections.
Collaborate with other subject-matter experts to develop fuel additive formulations and experimental tools for evaluating new concepts across a range of engine technologies.
Develop knowledge of existing and upcoming global fuel industry requirements and trends, adapting R&D programs as needed.
Develop engineering-level models of fuel, engine, or vehicle systems to support analysis and R&D programs.
Prepare and deliver technical presentations about new technologies to internal and external customers and OEMs.
Manage multiple projects, carry work forward with minimal supervision, and maintain clear communication and productive working relationships.
Collaborate within the team, across team and OpCo boundaries, and with OEMs.
Provide work direction to exempt and non-exempt employees.
Continue learning and developing skills beyond traditional job functions to support Chevron through the Energy Transition.