Lead Vehicle Fluids Chemist (On-site) - Full-time

Job Purpose: We are looking for a Lead Vehicle Fluids Chemist who will be a highly influential and visible member of the R&D department with responsibility for providing hands-on research expertise and leadership to develop new products through commercial launch and support existing products and processes in the greater Louisville area. This position will conduct studies and lead large/complex projects independently. This role will consistently be responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time. A high level of communication and presentation skills are required.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Understands, complies with, and promotes safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
• Develops new formulations for lubricant products supporting all manner of vehicle powertrain and control systems including engine, transmission, and drive train lubricants, oil additives, power steering and brake fluids, etc. including fluids for hybrid and electric vehicles.
• Serves as the Technical Expert for Lucas Oil's vehicle fluid product line up.
• Supports cross-functional teams including marketing, customer service, product development, and operations to ensure supply chain and manufacturing optimization, product profitability, and brand integrity.
• Directly leads new product development projects from inception to commercial launch. Develops and substantiates technical marketing collateral through laboratory and field testing of new, competitive, and existing Lucas Oil products.
• Tests, qualifies, and identifies new raw materials, suppliers, formulations, and process chemistry.
• Develops novel test methods, procedures, and strategies to solve research challenges.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date lab notebooks and records in accordance with established procedures. Ensures objectivity and accuracy in reporting and recording data.
• Identifies and recommends new technology for investigation and implementation.
• Works closely with manufacturing operations to coordinate project related timing, equipment, resources, and activities.
• Recognizes relevant trends through individual research, seminars and maintaining a network of professional, business, and industrial contacts.
• Influences and advocates for Lucas Oil Products by actively representing the company in technical conferences, societies, and other industry activities as assigned or requested.
• Maintains a high level of technical expertise and professional development through attending training, self-study, seminars, etc.
• Develops projects strategies and timelines to deliver new technical solutions.
• Completes job duties in a manner that supports all plant safety, quality, and environmental practices.
• Understands and maintains compliance with standards, regulations and required disclosures.
• Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc.
• Identifies material and other functional specifications to meet customer requirements.
• Summarize experimental strategies, data analysis, and conclusions in written reports and presentations for communication with peers, management, customers, and industry wide conferences.
• Provide training & coaching on technical issues to both peers and associates.
• Will direct and may supervise the activities of other team members as appropriate.

Required qualifications:

• 10 + years of experience in relevant laboratory, manufacturing, product development or field experience with industrial or commercial lubricants.
• Broad understanding of production blending equipment and testing methodology.
• Established thought leader in the lubrication industry demonstrated through published papers and/or speaking engagements at industry conferences.
• Knowledge of current industry trends and emerging regulatory or technology issues.
• Must be physically able to work standing in the laboratory, sitting in an office setting, and in a manufacturing environment as necessary.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Education/Certification/etc required:

• BS/BA and MS/MA in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related science required.
• PhD preferred.

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