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. 

JOB SUMMARY:

We have an open position for a Sr R&D Engineering Specialist for an experienced engineer/scientist (Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or similar) with an ability to understand complex fluid and material phenomena (e.g., tribology, fatigue, fluid-structure interaction) and problems and develop a simulation or modeling approach (including CFD, FEA, or reduced-order models, etc.). Additional details:

• Leadership for overall strategy for integrating first principles engineering solutions leveraging computational methodologies into organizational approach to problem solving. Develop and communicate overall roadmap for assessing technology gaps, building new methodologies, and capitalizing on proven capabilities.
• Opportunity to work on state-of-the-art problems and models (with ability to choose appropriate modeling platforms)
• Represent Afton in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities
• Opportunity to collaborate with external research groups, publish and present research and file patents
• Opportunity for technical leadership. Potential for growth on management or technical ladder

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage engineering activities to meet established project objectives. Effective use and leadership of the Afton Product Development Process.  Designs approach, test plans, and milestones to project completion.

2. Evaluates and interprets data, performance, and deliverables. Provides recommendations to R&D and stakeholders regarding results, deliverables, progress and challenges.  Identifies and eliminates hurdles to successful project completion.  Conducts special projects as assigned

3. Leads technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriate. Engages with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc. Drives determination of future direction.

4. Complete complex simulations, in-depth engineering analysis and interpretation and provide a detailed and accurate assessment to the customer in a timely manner. Evaluate all test/project data to ensure accuracy, completeness and reasonability of conclusions.

5. Complete collation of data, final interpretation and written reports. Consult with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.

6. Deliver overall strategy for integrating first principles engineering solutions leveraging computational methodologies into organizational approach to problem solving. Develop and communicate overall roadmap for assessing technology gaps, building new methodologies, and capitalizing on proven capabilities. 

7. Lead or direct special research projects independently. Identify and drive new approaches to problem solving leveraging engineering first principles building on industry tools/methodologies modified for PA business. Oversee technical activities and/or supervise technical team members assigned to the project or part of a larger strategy.

8. Understand, comply, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.

9. Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.

10. Represent Afton in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc.  Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of Afton.

11. Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS: 

• Masters degree in Mechanical / Chemical Engineering
• Expert level knowledge and understanding of specific 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 Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
• Relevant work experience in design, development and analysis of powertrain systems
• Management of small team of scientists/engineers

For NewMarket or Afton employees, an appropriate combination of experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

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.