Sr. R&D Chemist - Engine Oils

US-VA-Richmond

Job ID: 2026-2736
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research and Development
Afton Chemical

Overview

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.

Lead formulation projects in the development of next generation Engine Oil additives. Lead Cost-of-Goods Sold (COGS) and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) improvement projects including the evaluation of new componentry and projects addressing ever changing environmental regulations. Lead research projects looking to improve our fundamental understanding of the performance impacts of different chemistries and formulation styles.

Responsibilities

• Develop fundamental understanding of Engine Oil technologies using new or existing components, base oils, etc., in line with identified technical and business needs. Responsibility for all technical aspects of the development process including setting up of test matrices using statistical design of experiments, test development, test scheduling and the interpretation and reporting of resulting data.

• Use appropriate methodology to improve the performance, durability and functionality of Engine Oil additive technologies in line with identified technical and business needs.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date lab notebooks in accordance with established company policy. Maintain objectivity and accuracy in reporting and recording data.

• Technical project management in line with Afton Product Development Process. May coordinate several workstreams in parallel.

• Where necessary, represent the company in technical societies and other industry activities. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Keep informed of advanced developments inside and outside the company. Represent Afton at customer and OEM interfaces as required.

• May direct the work of technicians and other chemists assigned to projects.

• Complete special assignments and participate in project teams as required for business needs and for your personal development.

• Take personal responsibility for a safe working environment in the office and laboratory. Know, understand and consistently adhere to established safety policy and procedures. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes or additions to safety procedures and assist in safety training activities as required.

• Interact and maintain technical relationship with 3rd party suppliers.

• Work with Legal team to ensure effective protection and generation of IP for Afton.

Qualifications

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 10 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 to 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 - We offer competitive compensation and benefit packages that reflect our commitment to our employees. Our employees are our most treasured asset and we have dedicated resources that allow us to reward our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis - ensuring our compensation packages are competitive in the industry.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.