Research Engineer/Research Chemist

Chevron Oronite Company is accepting online applications for the position of Research Engineer / Research Chemist located in Richmond, California through Sept 22, 2006.

Chevron Oronite Co. LLC is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer, of performance additives for fuels and lubricating oils. We are a global company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. Our research is focused on developing additives that control oxidation, friction, wear, viscosity, and deposit formation. This position is located in Chevron’s Richmond, CA Technology Center. This is a Safety Sensitive position. Relocation benefits may be a consideration.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
This position is responsible for developing and providing technical leadership solving problems related to the viscosity behavior of automotive engine oils at low temperature. These properties result from the interactions of polymeric additives and refined oils which make up the engine oil. The successful candidate will be a key contributor on the Viscosity Index Improver and Automotive Engine Oil Technical Service Team supporting Chevron Oronite’s Automotive Engine Oil additives business.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Lead Technology in Low Temperature Viscometrics of Automotive Engine Oils
- Work with internal and external customers to quickly develop solutions to problems involving low temperature rheology
- Apply knowledge of polymer structure-property relationships and polymer solution rheology to the study of low temperature engine oil performance
- Build and expand fundamental understanding of the roles of the components of automotive engine oils in determining the low temperature rheology
- Apply and develop analytical techniques to study low temperature phenomena in engine oils
- Apply statistical experimental design and analysis practices to maximize learnings
- Lead and Manage Technical Alliance with Suppliers
- Act as key technical contact with strategic suppliers of additives used to improve low temperature performance
- Carry out joint technical programs with suppliers to evaluate new additives
- Represent Chevron Oronite in Industry and Professional Organizations
- Act as Chevron Oronite’s representative to industry technical organizations related to automotive engine oil viscometrics and low temperature rheology
- Carry out technical programs in support of, effectively prepare for, and present Chevron Oronite’s positions to the organizations
- Communicate Effectively
- Clearly and effectively summarize, document and communicate plans, proposals, progress, and results of experiments
- Proactively seek and provide input, resolve issues, and negotiate to obtain consensus
- Present complex technical information in a simple, clear fashion
- Support and Improve Laboratory Operations
- Proactively work to meet and exceed environmental, safety and health requirements in the laboratory
- Supervise and provide work direction to one laboratory technician
- Follow prudent laboratory practices.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Proficiency In Analytical Methods: Familiarity with design and analysis of experiments using both statistical and fundamental models and methods. Familiarity with physical and chemical analytical methods applicable to higher molecular weight chemicals and polymers including, but not limited to, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, spectroscopy, and chromatography. Clear ability to interpret and apply experimental results. Demonstrated ability to propose, plan, manage, and execute technical programs. Demonstrated computer and data management skills.
- Academic Background: Strong academic background in Engineering or the sciences, Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science/ Engineering preferred. Proficiency/understanding of engineering principles, thermodynamics, rheology, transport phenomena, chemistry.
- Low Temperature Viscometric Experience: Proficiency in viscometric measurement and characterization of lubricating oils under low temperature conditions. Understanding of low temperature rheology of lubricating oils and the associated influences of base oil, additives, Viscosity Index Improvers (VII), and Pour Point Depressants (PPD's). Familiarity with PPD chemistry and function.
- Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and effectively summarize, document, and communicate plans, proposals, and experimental progress and results. Demonstrated ability to seek and provide input, to work to resolve issues, and to negotiate to obtain consensus.
- Delivers Superior Results: Demonstrated ability to get the right results the right way: places high value on protecting people and the environment, building productive partnerships, and achieving high performance while keeping safety and Operational Excellence as the top priorities. Ability to keep multiple projects simultaneously on-time and on-budget while meeting customer expectations and requirements. Demonstrated ability to execute projects within tight deadlines and a finite set of resources. Experience supervising one or more technicians in carrying out laboratory studies. Pursuit of self-development.
- Teamwork: Experience removing barriers to cooperation and teamwork across organizations, shaping team performance, taking initiative to prevent/resolve issues, fostering collaborative relationships, and influencing suppliers, peer work groups, and customers to achieve impact.
- Demonstrated ability to work with integrity. Adaptability to other cultures' customs and work practices across a global company. Experience promoting and leveraging creative input from a diverse group of individuals to reach out-of-the-ordinary solutions.
- Lab Management: Use of safe laboratory work practices and good housekeeping. Experience meeting safety, environmental, and health regulations and proactive efforts to improve Operational Excellence. Familiarity with lab practices for weighing, calculating, blending, and mixing lubricating oils.
- Lubricants Experience: Knowledge of Chevron Oronite's lube oil additives business and/or the additive/lubricant industry. Experience participating on industry panels. Demonstrated understanding of automotive lubricant additive technology, including VII's and PPD's. Proficient knowledge of lubricant formulating practices and viscosity testing.
- Polymer Experience: Experience or familiarity with polymer synthesis, characterization, and polymer processing / structure / property relationships. Familiarity with rheological characterization and properties of polymers in solution.

If you are interested in this position, you must respond online. No phone, fax or email inquiries from potential applicants, external recruiters or other interested parties, please.

To apply to or to learn more about this position, please go to http://www.chevron.com/about/careers/ then look for "We're Hiring! Click to view available job" to view Chevron job opportunities currently available. Individuals must follow the Chevron's process by applying online. No phone, fax, or email inquiries, please, from candidates or external recruiters.

Chevron is an Equal Opportunity Employer
REQUIREMENTS
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees required. Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, or Chemistry preferred.
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, or Chemistry preferred