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.

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 .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

• 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

• 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, elevate 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

The Castrol entity recruiting for this role is the data controller for the personal information you provide. We use it to assess your application and to manage the recruitment and onboarding process. We may…