Senior Grease Chemist

Lucas Oil Products is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Grease Process Chemist This is a creative hands-on laboratory role bridging our Research and Development and Manufacturing Operations departments related to lubricating grease manufacturing and development. In the role, you would beaccountable for: the approval and quality assurance of raw materials, finished greases, and packaged products; maintaining the grease QC laboratory and ensuring full compliance of the laboratory within the quality management system and safety protocols; acting as a subject matter expert and resource for LOP departments including Sales, Research and Development, Manufacturing, and Customer Service; resolving various customer, production, and laboratory problems directly; developing new process technologies and products specific to lubricating greases. being a team player with a track record of good performance on cross-functional projects; bringing new external technologies and methods to the department for Lucas Oil Products; developing and maintaining test methodologies and authoring standard operating procedures; other duties and responsibilities as determined by Lucas Oil Products from time to time in its sole discretion. The Grease Chemist works with R&D and operations functions in our Corydon, IN grease manufacturing plant. This person will be accountable for ensuring manufactured greases meet stringent quality requirements while advising plant operators to ensure manufacturing operations meet required quality, safety, and cost performance targets. This individual will manage the day-to-day operations of the grease QC laboratory, including (but not limited to) ordering consumables and reagents as necessary, scheduling and conducting instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, fill in as needed for laboratory technician duties, and develop updated policies and procedures to improve product quality, manufacturability, and profitability. This individual will also participate in Research and Development programs under the direction of the Director of Research & Development. He or She will perform assigned projects, though may conduct studies, manage projects, and work on large/complex projects independently. A high level of communication and presentation skills are required. Often this role will be responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serves as the Subject Matter Expert for lubricating greases. Accountable for quality control testing and qualification of manufactured grease products. Certifies materials within the Quality Management System. Directly address and resolve manufacturing issues with relevant departments and stakeholders. Develops lubricating grease formulations as part of the Research and Development department. Tests, qualifies, and identifies raw materials, suppliers, and process chemistry to implement lubricating grease formulations from development through scale-up, manufacturing, and commercialization. Coordinates and supervises operation of the grease manufacturing Pilot Plant for scale-up or process improvement projects. Accountable for maintaining grease QC laboratory and ensuring full compliance of the laboratory within the quality management system and safety protocols. Lead and participate in process improvement and raw material supplier qualification initiatives to enhance performance, efficiency, safety, and/or costing. Evaluate and interpret data. Provides technical recommendations to senior leadership and business functions regarding results, chemistry / component viability and necessary characterizations. Completes special projects as assigned. Participate in technical and/or project reviews and present findings as appropriate. Engage with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, manufacturing, regulatory, marketing, customers, etc. Maintain accurate, up-to-date lab notebooks and records in accordance with established procedures. Ensure objectivity and accuracy in reporting and recording data. May direct / supervise the activities of or other team members as appropriate. Understand, comply with, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures. Complete collation of data, final interpretation, and written test reports. Consult with customers as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective, and ensure that project goals are being met. Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in quality, safety, or operations improvement initiatives and maintain understanding of management system functions & responsibilities. Develop or improve test methods to enhance Research & Development efficiency and field performance predictability. Represent company in technical conferences, societies, and other industry activities as assigned or requested. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and professional development through attending training, self-study, seminars, etc. Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of the company. Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc. Education and Experience Minimums: BS/BA in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related science 5 years relevant laboratory, manufacturing, or field experience with lubricants and greases Experience with Quality Control and/or Manufacturing Process Control in a Lubricating Grease manufacturing environment Must be physically able to work standing in the laboratory, sitting in an office setting, and in a manufacturing environment as necessary Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds Excellent written and oral communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office suite Must speak fluent English Some travel may be required, domestically and/or internationally Must be authorized to work in the U.S. 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 - Understanding of the basis for our business model and how that is realized in the market. Understanding 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 that work in the marketplace ? Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and queries all 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. ? Managing Performance - Possessing the drive and focus to achieve challenging goals ? Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across the company'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. What you will get from Lucas Oil: ? Be part of a team and culture, rooted in heritage and driven by purpose. ? Top-notch healthcare benefits. ? 401K program, with generous match. ? Paid time off. ? Access to many work perks, including but not limited to free Lucas Oil products, event tickets, partner discounts, apparel and promotional items. ? Opportunities to serve your community. ? Access to training and development. This position is based at our Corydon, Indiana location and is not remote. If you are not able to relocate and prefer to work remotely, please do not apply. Lucas Oil Products, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. PI8af5dc1ce732-25448-#######2