R&D Engineer, Energy

Vibrantz Technologies is a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and materials solutions whose purpose is to bring color, performance, and vibrancy to life. Every day, our employees, the products we make, and our valued customer partnerships are inspired by this purpose. Serving over 11,000 customers, Vibrantz's technologies are trusted in a variety of advanced materials, color solutions and performance coatings applications and consumer products.

We are experts in particle engineering, glass and ceramic science and color technology. Our technologies are used in small amounts to make big impacts on applications and consumer products, including durable vehicles and batteries, easier-to-clean appliances, energy efficient roof titles and bricks, stronger and more decorative glass, and echo-friendly paints. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Vibrantz has over 50 manufacturing facilities and sales offices on six continents, and we employe 4,500 individuals.

Our shared culture is rooted strongly in our four core values that focus on winning with customers, striving for excellence, championing people, and doing the right thing. Vibrantz is owned by American Securities, a leading U.S. private equity firm that invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenue generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion and/or $50 million to $200 million of EBITDA.

American Securities and its affiliates have approximately $23 billion under management and are based in New York with an office in Shanghai. For more information, please visit  and

Houston, TX

We offer comprehensive total rewards packages including base pay, variable incentive programs, 401K, medical, dental, vision, life & disability and variety of well-being resources that meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

Union benefits are governed by the applicable collective bargaining unit agreement.

$75,217.47 - $94,021.84 Vibrantz is committed to maintaining pay transparency in accordance with applicable laws and best practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on a combination of factors, including education, professional certifications, relevant experience, and other job-related considerations permitted by law.

The R&D Engineer, Energy leads product development initiatives focused on drilling fluids and additives for oil and gas applications. This role develops new products, identifies market opportunities, and provides technical expertise to support customer requirements and product performance. The position coordinates laboratory activities, product development and scale-up projects, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and customers. Success in this role requires strong technical knowledge of drilling fluids, research and development capabilities, and effective project management and communication skills.

• Develop new drilling fluids products and additives by collaborating with engineers, Sales, and customers to address technical requirements and emerging market opportunities.
• Identify unmet market needs and potential product development opportunities to strengthen the R&D pipeline and support new product innovation.
• Plan and supervise laboratory activities, provide technical direction to technicians, and develop testing procedures to support product development, raw material qualification, and scale-up initiatives.
• Support manufacturing and process engineering projects by collaborating with Operations and Engineering teams to improve production yields, product performance, and profitability.
• Provide advanced technical support to customers and internal stakeholders, including product expertise, technical evaluations, project updates, and communication of development results.
• Manage R&D project activities, timelines, experimental documentation, and technical reports while maintaining laboratory organization, equipment practices, and established quality and safety procedures.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years of experience in drilling fluids and/or drilling fluid additives, with strong knowledge of drilling fluid applications across different formations.
• Previous laboratory and product development experience, including familiarity with laboratory equipment, testing practices, and established safety procedures.
• Experience using…