Senior Technologist, Hybrid Engines Research

Castrol is one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, serving customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Castrol brands are recognised globally for their premium quality and high performance, shaped by the company’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. With products sold in more than 150 countries, Castrol has helped keep things moving on roads and racetracks, air, sea, and space for over 125 years.

Whether you're just starting out or ready for your next big move, you're in the right place to explore an exciting career with Castrol.

Job description

About the team:

You will be part of Castrol’s Advanced Fluids Research group: A multi‑disciplinary team of 18 engineers, chemists, formulators and technologists. The team bring deep expertise ranging from hybrid lubricants and ICE research to hydrogen, battery thermal management, driveline fluids, data centre cooling and electrification. A culture defined by technical curiosity, collaboration, safety, practical problem‑solving and turning insight into differentiated technology

Key tasks:

Lead research programmes exploring lubricant behaviour in hybrid, range‑extender and ICE conditions, generating fundamental insights into water accumulation, fuel dilution, contaminant effects, friction, wear and fuel economy

Develop and validate representative hybrid test methods: engine test‑cell cycles, vehicle trials, bench ageing protocols, tribology screening and in‑situ oil analysis

Produce clear technical recommendations and data packages that influence product development, OEM collaborations and customer discussions

Translate real‑world vehicle operation and future market trends into research priorities that strengthen Castrol’s hybrid technology strategy

Work closely with internal teams across product development, testing, analytical science, modelling, electrification and commercial functions to ensure research outputs become real customer value

Build and manage relationships with OEMs, universities, engineering consultancies, test labs and industry bodies

Identify and protect intellectual property through invention disclosures, patents and publications

Maintain exceptional safety, quality and compliance standards across all experimental work

Coach and support technologists and graduates, sharing expertise in engine testing, lubricant performance and hybrid powertrain operation

Experience required:

Degree (or equivalent experience) in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, tribology, or a closely related discipline

Required experience is typically acquired through 5+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience, within automotive, powertrain, lubricants, fuels, tribology or applied research environments, although we welcome candidates who can

Demonstrate the required level of technical expertise through equivalent experience

Strong technical understanding of internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, plug‑in hybrids and range‑extender architectures

Proven ability to design, commission and interpret engine tests, vehicle trials, bench tests and tribology experiments

Self‑sufficient project leadership: able to run programmes independently, manage ambiguity, escalate appropriately and deliver at pace

Experience collaborating with internal and international teams (UK, Germany, China) and managing suppliers, universities or external partners

Strong communication skills, able to engage hands‑on engineers through to board‑level stakeholders

Demonstrated commitment to safe, compliant and high‑quality experimental work

Lubricants / fluids / tribology experience is beneficial but can be developed if your engineering foundation is strong

This is a rare opportunity to work at the interface between established lubricant science and rapidly evolving powertrain technologies, shaping solutions that will influence OEMs, customers and the future of mobility.

If you’re an engineer who loves solving hard problems, thrives in research environments and wants to influence the future of hybrid powertrains, we’d love to hear from you. Privacy

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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.