Chemist – Lubricants & Additives

Location: Seville, OH (On‑site); Local Candidates only - No Relocation assistance available               

Employment Type: Full‑Time (US Citizen or Green Card - No HB1Visa available)

Company Overview

International Lubricants Inc. (ILI), and it’s parent company Stellar Automotive Group, combine decades of expertise in transmission parts, driveline components, and advanced lubricant chemistry. ILI is best known for developing LXE®, the proprietary synthetic technology behind the LUBEGARD® line of transmission and power steering additives. With blending and technical operations based in Seville, Ohio, we support customers nationwide with high‑performance fluids, rigorous testing capabilities, and industry‑leading problem‑solving additives.

Position Overview

The ILI Chemist is responsible for developing innovative technologies & products while completing all associated business activities in a timely manor to support and maintain the automotive fluids business.

Reporting through sales, this individual will play a critical role in a variety of activities including: Product Development, Technical Support, Quality, and Regulatory Functions. It is ideal for a mechanically inclined chemist who enjoys both laboratory work and cross‑functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and External Partners.

The hands‑on Chemist will respond to the technical needs of the business with good scientific practice and within the time frame set by Management. In the role, this individual will be responsible for formulation development, create and run test protocols to correlate to key field performance attributes, manage project timelines, facilitate raw material qualification activities, conduct product testing and quality control activities, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The Chemist should enjoy hands on activities and have a mechanical aptitude as they will work with a wide range of analytical and mechanical test equipment, as well as conduct wet chemical techniques, to support commercialization of new products and help maintain the technical integrity of our products.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Product Development (30%)

• Develop and optimize formulations for power steering fluids, transmission fluids, and lubricant additives.
• Conduct raw material replacement and qualification, including:
• Working with Purchasing to identify alternate vendors
• Testing and validating new raw materials
• Establishing raw material specifications
• Design, execute, and document laboratory studies, including performance benchmarking and formulation screening.
• Support product commercialization, including pilot blends, scale‑up guidance, and production documentation.
• Manage laboratory supply needs (e.g., nitrogen tanks, PPE, solvents, consumables) and assist with CAPEX equipment purchases as required for business needs.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment such as:
• Kinematic viscometers
• Cold‑temperature baths for –40 °C Brookfield viscosity
• Ovens and environmental chambers
• Falex multispecimen testers (friction testing)
• 4‑Ball wear and EP testers
• KRL shear stability units
• Assist with Dynamometer Testing (would be a plus but not mandatory)

2. Technical Support (15%)

• Conduct customer complaint investigations, including retain testing, root‑cause analysis, and corrective action recommendations.
• Provide technical literature and data to Sales and Marketing, including:
• Competitive benchmarking
• Performance summaries
• Feature/benefit analyses
• Support Sales with technical responses, product comparisons, and application guidance.
• Prepare internal reports summarizing test results, formulation changes, and technical findings.

 3. Quality & Production Support (25%)

• Perform quality control testing on production batches using ASTM, OEM, and internal methods.
• Establish and maintain product specifications, COA templates, and QC test plans.
• Review incoming supplier COAs, verify compliance, and assist with raw material acceptance decisions.
• Support production with batch adjustments, troubleshooting, and corrective actions.
• Assist in identifying root causes of quality deviations and validating corrective formulation or process changes.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and readiness for daily use.

4. Regulatory & Compliance (20%)

• Work with third‑party regulatory vendors to generate and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
• Obtain quotes
• Compile formulation and hazard information
• Review and approve SDS drafts
• Enter formulations and SDS data into customer‑required regulatory systems (e.g., WERCS, AutoZone portals).
• Respond to customer regulatory inquiries, including:
• REACH statements
• Prop 65 declarations
• VOC, TSCA, and global chemical inventory requests
• Ensure new formulations meet applicable regulatory requirements and minimize unnecessary hazard classifications.
• Support label compliance and packaging regulatory requirements.
• Support Tariff classification as required

5. Other Activities as may be required to ensure business continuity (10%)

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 2-5 years Hands‑on laboratory experience with chemical testing, formulation, or QC
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with remote teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain accurate documentation

Preferred:

• Graduate degree (MS in a technical field)
• Experience with lubricants, additives, or petroleum‑based formulations
• Familiarity with ASTM test methods (D445, D2983, D4172, D6278, etc.)
• Experience with SDS authoring, WERCS, or regulatory compliance systems
• Mechanical aptitude for operating and maintaining test equipment

Work Environment

• On‑site laboratory and production support role
• Hands‑on work including blending, testing, equipment setup, and mechanical adjustments
• Collaboration with remote Sales team, Purchasing, and external regulatory partners

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Monday–Friday, day‑shift schedule