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Advisor, Engine Oil Formulations
Engine Oil Technology Specialist – Technical Advisory Role
Job Family Group
Research & Technology Group
About the Role
Step into a role where your expertise will shape the future of engine oil technology on a global scale. As a recognised technical authority, you will influence product and technology strategy, guide high-impact decisions, and drive differentiated performance across a leading engine oils portfolio.
This role builds on an established advisor capability and focuses on enabling delivery through expert guidance, challenge, and technical direction. Working with Engine Oil Product Development and Claims teams, you will shape technology choices, inform product strategy, and support critical decision-making across a global network.
- Provide insight on OEM, industry, and emerging trends to influence investment decisions, technical risk management, and long-term capability
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver high-performance, differentiated products
- Represent Castrol as a technical authority internally and externally
Location: Based in Pangbourne/Reading, UK with a hybrid working model (~3 days on-site) Key Disclaimer: Employment may transition with Castrol under new ownership.
Key Interfaces
You will partner closely with:
- Global Engine Oil Product Development and Technology teams
- Senior authorities in testing, analytical, digital, and stewardship
- Marketing and Product Strategy leadership
- OEMs, additive companies, and strategic technical partners
- Legal/IP and Product Compliance
Key Accountabilities
1. Technical Advisory & Strategy
- Act as a recognised authority in engine oil technology, covering components, formulations, testing, and performance delivery
- Set technical direction, standards, and guidelines across global teams
- Advise on future technology direction aligned with OEM, industry, and regulatory trends
- Provide authoritative input into sophisticated, high-risk technical decisions
- Identify opportunities for differentiation and long-term value creation, including technical due diligence for major initiatives
- Evaluate emerging technologies and spot step-change innovation opportunities
- Lead intellectual property strategy and technical positioning within the engine oil portfolio
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2. Capability & Knowledge Leadership
- Guide technology leadership on strategy, capability development, and external trends
- Shape multi-year innovation priorities and support strategic investment cases
- Review and challenge formulation strategies, test programmes, and claims substantiation
- Help define next-generation product specifications and architectures
- Coach senior technologists, building deep expertise across the organisation
- Drive knowledge sharing, standards, and continuous improvement
- Serve as a go-to authority for resolving complex technical challenges
3. SME Leadership & Networking
- Build and leverage a broad global network within:
- Technology, Testing, Deployment, Stewardship
- OEMs, suppliers
- Consultancies and industry bodies
- Represent Castrol as a global technical authority, both internally and externally
- Provide direction and mentorship across the global technology network
- Establish trusted relationships with product development, testing, deployment, and OEM interfaces
- Operate as an independent advisor, delivering influence through expertise and collaboration
4. External Engagement & Representation
- Engage with OEMs, suppliers, and technical partners to communicate and tackle industry challenges
- Lead Castrol’s presence in industry forums, working groups, and collaborative initiatives
- Foster strategic relationships with external partners to access emerging technologies and innovations
5. Governance & Risk Support
- Assist in technical due diligence for major investments and innovation opportunities
- Provide IP strategy and technical risk management guidance
- Ensure alignment with compliance, product stewardship, and quality standards
Required Experience & Capability
- 15+ years’ industry experience in the automotive sector, particularly in engine oil product development
- Deep expertise in engine oil formulation, testing, or lubricant technologies, with a proven track record of driving new product success
- Technical specialization in areas such as:
- Formulation
- Testing methodologies
- Passenger car or commercial vehicle lubricants
- Strong grasp of OEM requirements, industry specifications, and claims development
- Ability to influence decisions in a matrix environment without direct authority
- A strong industry network within the lubricants/automotive ecosystem
- Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or Honours) in a scientific or engineering discipline
- Familiarity with relevant guidelines and codes of practice
- Extensive project management experience in a global context
- Valued: Relevant experience in passenger car engine oils
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Relevant Backgrounds
Candidates may include backgrounds in:
- Engine oils, base oils, additives, tribology (or related fluid technologies)
- Automotive/powertrain, fuels, or advanced materials development
- Organisations spanning oil & gas, specialty chemicals, additive manufacturers, OEMs, or engineering consultancies
Profiling: Typically SMEs, technical fellows, or senior specialists with a history of shaping innovation and OEM collaboration.
Additional Considerations
- Company Transition: Employment may move with Castrol under new ownership—part of the ring-fence.
- Inclusivity & Growth: Commitment to diverse perspectives and investment in staff development.
- Benefits: Competitive compensation, bonuses, share options, and flexible benefits
Work Arrangement Notes
- Travel: Negotiable based on role requirements.
- Relocation Assistance: Not eligible for this position.
- Remote Work: Hybrid model of office/remote work encouraged.
Legal Disclaimer: Castrol is an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity. Accommodations for recruitment accessibility can be requested. Background checks and pre-placement screenings may apply post-selection.
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