Job Description

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Research Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and accomplished professional with a strong passion for research-driven product innovation to join our Lubrication Research and Development team. The successful candidate will serve as a Research Associate, responsible for initiating and leading product and process development activities—from laboratory-scale experimentation through pilot-scale validation to commercial trials and full-scale manufacturing. This role demands exceptional communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective coordination with cross-functional teams and business stakeholders to ensure timely and successful project execution. The ideal candidate will proactively identify growth opportunities across the lubricant industry and drive concepts from inception to implementation. Technical contributions will span a broad range of lubricant applications, including but not limited to engine oils, driveline fluids, gear oils, hydraulic systems, and fuels—with a primary emphasis on grease formulation and manufacturing processes.

A little about us

Applying for a new job is a little like entering uncharted territory. We want you to feel 100% confident about the application process, the position and our company before committing your time to apply, so that none of the above comes as a surprise. Let’s start with some information about NCH so you can get to know us better.

NCH Corporation is a privately held, family-owned, global business headquartered Irving, Texas, near Dallas. We have more than 6,500 employees, offices and facilities on six continents, and clients in more than 48 countries. This includes our corporate headquarters as well as subsidiary companies. We clean and conserve water, save energy, and deliver best-in-class maintenance solutions, with a focus on industrial and commercial businesses.

• About NCH and our  history
• Our  products and solutions
• NCH  brands and divisions  

Culture and benefits

We’re a global company with a family feel, offering the same benefits of an international corporation with the personal relationships of a small business. Working in our small teams and close-knit environment, you’d never guess we had a 6,500+ employee head count. We realize a job is more than just a job – it’s an extension of your life and family – and we’re committed to maintaining just that. For us, culture is not just a perk; it’s essential to how we thrive. And that’s speaking for 100 years in the business!

• Employee-centric environment (regular corporate activities, personal relationships, small teams)
• Family-first attitude (work-life balance support, flexible hours)
• Approachable leadership (collaboration with top leaders, open-door policy)
• Growth-oriented mindset (autonomy, creative freedom to explore new ideas)
• Paid vacation and holiday leave
• Wellness initiatives (on-site fitness facility and cafeteria, treadmill conference room, planned activities)
• Community involvement (volunteering, fundraisers, charity events, school sponsorships and donations)
• Employee recognition programs (appreciation week, awards and ceremonies)
• Personal and professional development and growth
• Tuition reimbursement
• Financial wellness (retirement options, 401K match, employee credit union)
• Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life, long and short-term disability)

If this sounds like a fit for you so far, keep reading.

Responsibilities:

· Core Responsibilities: Lead the development of innovative product solutions that address both emerging and existing business needs, delivering value to internal stakeholders and external customers.

• Work Environment: This is a hands-on, laboratory-based position requiring on-site presence. Responsibilities include grease formulation and blending, as well as the exploration of novel approaches to enhance lubricant performance and resolve field-related challenges.
• Innovation & Optimization: Drive applied research initiatives focused on product innovation and manufacturing process optimization to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Intellectual Property Development: Collaborate with patent attorneys and research colleagues to identify, document, and secure intellectual property rights for breakthrough technologies.
• Systems & Documentation: Develop proficiency in internal systems and maintain rigorous documentation standards. Ensure accurate, timely recordkeeping and prepare comprehensive interim and final reports for projects and programs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrate professionalism and technical acumen in interactions with external clients, internal business units, and commercial teams. Provide support to sales and business development efforts as needed.
• Collaborative Research: Initiate, cultivate, and contribute to joint research programs with academic institutions, research organizations, and strategic business partners.

  Requirements and Skills:

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering is required; an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) is preferred but not mandatory. Certifications such as CLS or CLGS are considered advantageous.
• Industry Experience: Minimum of ~10 years of hands-on experience in the development and commercialization of greases, lubricants, and/or fuel additives. Experience should span at least two of the following sectors: Oil & Gas, Mining, Construction, Agriculture/Forestry, Maritime, Rail, Pellet Mill, and Wind.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in grease chemistry, formulation (cooking), testing methodologies, production processes, and end-use applications.
• Formulation Knowledge: Solid understanding of formulation principles and chemistry related to engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils, and gear oils.
• Specialized Formulation Skills: Experience in developing Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), food-grade lubricants, gear and transmission oils, engine oils, hydraulic fluids, and metalworking fluids.
• Analytical Proficiency: Skilled in advanced analytical and imaging techniques including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Confocal Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy.
• Additional Competencies: Background in tribology and/or rheology is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality technical documentation and presentations.

Sound like a fit for you?

If yes, jump aboard, and apply today.

For next steps, expect a direct phone or email response once we are able to review your application. We are committed to responding to all applicants, no matter the outcome, so we appreciate your patience to allow time for this. In the meantime, learn more about NCH and our culture by checking out our  LinkedIn or  Facebook pages.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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