Research Scientist

Valvoline Global•Lexington, KY

About The Position

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 is responsible for developing and continuously improving Valvoline driveline and EV lubricant products, including transmission, gear, transfer case, and electric vehicle fluids. The position collaborates closely with regional Product Strategy and OEM teams to drive innovation in product concepts and performance claims, while conducting performance and quality testing to support formulation approvals and renewals. This role manages documentation for industry and OEM specifications, supports blending plant operations through production and new product introduction, and provides leadership to scientists by guiding project execution, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering professional development.

Requirements

Minimum B.S. in Chemistry or Engineering Discipline with direct experience.
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.
Strong communication/presentation skills
Computer Skills - specifically Outlook, Excel, Power Point, SAP and QC software
Statistical methods and design of experiments
People management with a focus on empowerment and development
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Travel Requirements: Up to 20% travel requirement, some international travel.

Nice To Haves

Masters or Doctorate in Tribology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or Automotive/Materials Engineering Preferred.

Responsibilities

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
Assist in 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.
Additional duties as assigned.