Staff Scientist, Lubrication and Tribology

Description

• Support operations via application of scientific principles in the areas of lubricant formulation development, application and surface analysis, as applied to metal (aluminum) forming.
• Operate surface analysis tools including non-contact profilometers, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and/or Auger electron spectrometer (AES), while supporting equipment calibration, maintenance, and operating procedures.
• Interpret and evaluate data from testing/experiments to meet customer and project needs.
• Complete written reports, presentations, and/or IP documentation (trade secrets and/or patents) as appropriate.
• Communicate progress through oral updates as part of technical/project reviews.
• Design, develop, and implement lab and pilot scale test equipment for evaluation of tribology solutions.
• Conduct physical and chemical tribology and lubrication tests including sample handling and preparation.
• Solve complex tribology (lubrication and surface) problems and implement solutions in operations.
• Propose, develop, and execute technical projects in the area of tribology, with focus on lubricant and surface technology.

Requirements

• Understanding of chemical hygiene and safe lab practices.
• 730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorizations from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.
• This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R.
• Knowledge of engineering principles as they apply to aluminum processing operations, including casting, rolling, extrusion, and related forming techniques.
• Experience working with sensitive instrumentation such as profilometers, AFM, SEM, XPS, FTIR, Auger, etc. and associated software packages.
• Experience working with tribology equipment and techniques used to evaluate lubricant properties, including viscosity, droplet size analysis, emulsion stability testing, and friction and wear testing (tribometers).
• Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an Engineering or Science discipline with a focus in Tribology, Lubrication, and/or Surface Science.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience working in the areas of tribology (friction, lubrication, and wear) and/or surface technology.
• Expertise in working with sensitive instrumentation such as profilometers, AFM, SEM, XPS, FTIR, Auger, Tribometer, etc. and associated software packages.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well as data analysis packages such as JMP, Minitab, or others.
• Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an Engineering or Science discipline with a focus in Tribology, Lubrication, and/or Surface Science.
• Experienced in lubricant chemistry, organic chemistry, and the formulation and characterization of lubricants, particularly as applied to metal forming processes such as casting, rolling, and extrusion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Fundamental knowledge of chemistry, particularly as applied to an industrial environment.
• Attention to detail within daily working habits.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 5 or more years of professional experience working in the areas of tribology (friction, lubrication, and wear) and/or surface technology, especially with an industrial focus.
• Experience in process/technology development and implementation at the pilot and production scale.
• Proficient in operating tribology equipment and utilizing techniques to characterize lubricant properties, including viscosity, droplet size, emulsion stability, and friction and wear behavior.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance