Fuels Chemistry Specialist

Overview

Fuels Products & Technology (FP&T) is comprised of chemists, engineers, and technical specialists responsible for providing fuels and fuel additives technical subject matter expertise. This includes technical service, consultation, and participating in product research and development for fuels derived from both conventional and renewable/alternative feedstocks.  We work in partnership with internal Innovation business partners as well as external Americas Products and International Products companies, Chemicals, Manufacturing, and Product Supply & Trading. This position reports to the Fuels Chemistry Technical Team Lead and is located at Chevron's Richmond Technology Center.

Responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:

• Provide molecular-level subject matter expertise for Chevron finished fuels, specifically motor gasoline and lighter products (including LPG, natural gas, and hydrogen). Provide in-depth chemistry, performance, and analytical support ensuring these fuels meet Chevron quality and performance specifications as well as established industry standards throughout the distribution system.
• Develop, enhance, and maintain digital tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the team. Access available data from across the company as necessary, and create visualizations to enhance understanding and address questions having business and commercial value.
• Work closely with Fuels Engineers in instances when the full range of FP&T expertise is needed.
• Provide product quality technical consultation to Manufacturing at all Chevron refineries for motor gasoline and LPG fuels.
• Provide motor gasoline product integrity (ensuring product quality is maintained once a mogas fuel is certified and released into the distribution system) technical consultation to both Americas Products and International Products as well as Product Supply & Trading.
• Resolve of concerns regarding product quality, product integrity, or product performance of Chevron motor gasoline through accumulated knowledge and expertise, with the ability, when necessary, to design and execute complex analytical and laboratory test programs to aid in a molecular-level diagnosis.
• Interpret the results of state-of-the-art analytical tools such as GCxGC-FID/TOF, GC-FID, GC-VUV, GC-MS, LC-TOF, infrared spectroscopy, and benchtop NMR when applied to fuel and fuel additive analysis.
• Develop, improve, and maintain internal analytical capabilities and methodologies critical to the effectiveness of Fuels Chemistry, particularly in the area of motor gasoline.
• Monitor the competitive and intellectual property landscape in the fields of motor gasoline and lighter products (including LPG, natural gas, and hydrogen).
• Participate in ongoing retail competitive surveillance activities to assess and validate Chevron’s unbeatable positioning. Provide support for engine testing to evaluate performance and no harm of various commercial and experimental fuel additives and fuel blends.
• May participate in technical societies such as ASTM, IASH, etc., in order to advance Chevron interests in finished fuels and related areas of commercial value.
• Since Fuels Chemistry provides technical support for all Chevron finished fuels, considerable cross-training is expected over time (i.e., across fuel oil, diesel, jet, aviation gasoline, motor gasoline, and LPG).
• The rapid pace of projects means that the successful candidate must be able to adapt to frequently changing priorities to meet the varying needs of the organizations we partner with.
• Provide day-to-day work direction to supporting personnel.
• Rigorously uphold laboratory safety and compliance policies.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in chemistry; or a Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering plus experience in a technical role exposed to refinery process chemistry, fuels chemistry knowledge, or advanced analytical instrumentation.
• An in-depth understanding of a wide range of chemical and physical principles, with an extensive knowledge or demonstrated ability to rapidly learn salient concepts in various chemical disciplines.
• An aptitude for - and interest in - learning and applying digital tools and technology.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to be comfortable with uncertainty.
• Understanding of advanced analytical techniques such as GCxGC, GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and the ability to make informed interpretation of analytical results.
• Demonstrated teamwork and relationship-building skills that illustrate a passion for productive collaboration, since strong and effective collaboration both within the team and across team and internal organizational boundaries is vital.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required due to the frequent interactions with clients and others.
• A commitment to Chevron Way behaviors, We Lead expectations, and Operational Excellence - resulting in the demonstrated ability to deliver results the right way.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physical, Analytical, or Organic Chemistry.
• Extensive experience with advanced analytical instrumentation, such GC-FID, GC-MS, GCxGC, LC-MS, NMR, and infrared spectrometry, and the ability to make informed interpretation of analytical results.
• Knowledge and skills in the area of test design methods and data analysis.
• Demonstrated project management and execution skills, including the ability to proactively manage and move multiple projects forward autonomously and independently, with excellent project planning, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Relevant fuel, additive, and/or refinery process chemistry expertise and knowledge.
• Knowledge of fuels specifications and regulations.
• Knowledge of emerging fuels technology, particularly renewable and alternative fuels.
• Experience with the Microsoft Power Platform suite, including Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate.