Research & Development Manager, Industrial

Calumet

12d

About The Position

At Calumet we deliver innovative specialty products trusted by companies across the globe. We are the foundation to everyday essential products that help millions of people live and thrive. We are headquartered in Indianapolis and have numerous production locations in the US. We are customer focused and utilize our values of collaboration and entrepreneurship to grow the business. We offer a dynamic, high-performance environment where team members can have real input and impact on our business. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, treat the business as if it is your own and add value accordingly, come see why we’re Calumet Proud! PURPOSE: R&D Managers are integral members of the Product Management Team, responsible for designing and delivering premium products that support business growth objectives. This role spans the full product development lifecycle—from initial concept through commercialization—and includes continuous improvement of existing formulations to meet evolving industry, OEM, and customer requirements. This role is critical in ensuring our portfolio remains technically differentiated, market-relevant, and aligned with the strategic direction of the business.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related scientific field
Minimum 5 years research experience in formulating finished lubricants and/or greases
Established laboratory safety, technical competency with strong lubricant principles background
Experience using analytical equipment according to ASTM, DIN and ISO methods
Experience in the lubricants industry and working with OEMs, additive companies, and base oil companies
Strong attention to detail, problem solving, and organizational skills
Effective writing and oral presentation skills to clearly communicate ideas, data, recommendations, and conclusions
Effective project management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects and other technical tasks simultaneously and deliver results in a timely manner
Strong interpersonal, networking and communication skills to work with suppliers, OEMs, customers, and at industry meetings

Responsibilities

Lead industrial lubricants and grease formulation and product development projects
Develop products that demonstrate measurable performance advantages
Secure relevant OEM and industry approvals
Collaborate closely with key suppliers and industry experts to assess base oil and additive technologies
Design and execute test programs to benchmark performance against industry standards and OEM specifications
Work with Cross-functional teams to develop company products that support brand strategy by collaborating with suppliers and OEMs to deliver innovative products
Evaluate function and performance of raw materials in formulations
Provide expert technical support to external customers and internal cross-functional teams such as quality-control, production, sales, marketing teams and customers
Design and execute test programs to demonstrate and validate product technology, claims, and benefits
Maintain knowledge of industry and specifications, OEMs, NLGI, ELGI, ASTM, DIN, ISO test standards
Develop and maintain product development processes
Collaborate with and direct the work for R&D Chemists
Other duties as required