Rodeo
Get started

Castrol

Expert Technologist, Engine Oil Product Development

Pangbourne
Posted 7 days ago
Sign up to applySee more jobs like this
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever

How your CV stacks up

1Upload CV
2Analyse CV
3Improve CV

Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role

?%

Job description

About the team

Join Castrol’s Engine Oils Development team in Pangbourne, where innovation, technical excellence and collaboration drive the development of next-generation lubricant technologies for some of the world's leading automotive manufacturers.

You will become part of a highly skilled team of technologists focused on developing and enhancing engine oil formulations for passenger car and hybrid vehicles. The team works closely with major global OEMs and other leading manufacturers to deliver products that meet evolving industry specifications and future mobility demands.

As an Expert Technologist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Castrol's future engine oil portfolio, providing technical leadership across development projects while influencing strategic direction for emerging technologies. Working within a globally connected organisation, you will collaborate extensively with colleagues across Technology, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, Quality Assurance and Global Deployment, as well as external partners including OEMs, suppliers and technical consultancies.

This is a hybrid role based in Pangbourne, UK, where our Technology Centre is based.

Key tasks

As a recognised technical expert, you will lead the development and delivery of innovative lubricant products that support Castrol's global growth strategy and maintain its competitive advantage in the automotive lubricants market.

  • Leading the design, development and delivery of new passenger car and hybrid engine oil formulations in line with business and project priorities.
  • Driving technical execution across multiple development programmes, ensuring successful delivery against annual project plans.
  • Providing subject matter expertise in lubricant chemistry, formulation science and performance evaluation.
  • Supporting OEM approval and qualification programmes, working directly with automotive manufacturers and external testing partners.
  • Identifying, evaluating and developing new technologies, additive systems and formulation approaches that create future product differentiation.
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Technology, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality and Deployment functions.
  • Collaborating with suppliers, OEMs, technical consultancies and industry partners to support innovation and project delivery.
  • Coaching, mentoring and providing technical guidance to less experienced technologists within the development organisation.
  • Contributing to technical strategy and recommending future development directions based on market trends, customer requirements and emerging technologies.
  • Managing intellectual property activities associated with development projects, including patents, confidentiality agreements and knowledge protection.
  • Championing the use of digital tools, data analytics and technology platforms to accelerate product development, reduce testing costs and enhance technical insight.
  • Ensuring projects are delivered in compliance with Castrol's safety, operational risk and governance requirements.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

See breakdown
Save jobNot relevant
View details

It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

See breakdown
Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

See breakdown
Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

Experience required

We're looking for an experienced lubricant development professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.

  • Degree qualified in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 5-8 years' experience within lubricant product development.
  • Proven experience developing lubricant formulations, ideally within automotive applications (Strong knowledge of lubricant chemistry, formulation development and performance evaluation.)
  • Experience working collaboratively across technical, commercial and operational functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external stakeholders effectively.
  • Experience engaging with OEMs, industry partners or external technical organisations.
  • Ability to coach, mentor and develop junior technical colleagues.
  • Evidence of leading complex technical projects and delivering results through structured project management approaches.
  • Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.

Get help with your application

Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.

Get help applying for this job

This opportunity would suit a technically accomplished lubricant specialist who is passionate about innovation, enjoys working at the forefront of engine oil development and is ready to influence the future direction of world-class lubricant technologies.

Privacy

The Castrol entity recruiting for this role is the data controller for the personal information you provide. We use it to assess your application and to manage the recruitment and onboarding process. We may share it with service providers who support our recruitment, and it may be transferred to other Castrol entities internationally under appropriate safeguards. We keep it only for as long as necessary. For details of how we use your information and your data protection rights, contact privacy.response@castrol.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to Castrol recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.).

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.

Trusted by 25,000+ job seekers

“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica, London

Get help applying for this job

Location

Pangbourne, England, United Kingdom

Sign up to applySee more jobs like this