Lubricant Lab Chemist - Job Opportunity at Lubricants Manufacturing Company

Sharjah, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
On-site
Based on the mid-level experience requirements and the specialized nature of lubricant chemistry in the UAE market, this position likely offers an annual salary range of AED 120,000 to AED 180,000 (USD 32,000 to USD 49,000), with potential for performance bonuses and benefits packages typical of manufacturing companies in the Sharjah industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic development and optimization of advanced lubricant formulations including engine oils, gear oils, greases, and hydraulic fluids, directly impacting product market competitiveness and customer satisfaction
Execute comprehensive laboratory testing protocols following ASTM, ISO, and OEM specifications to ensure product quality meets stringent industry standards and regulatory compliance
Perform critical analytical testing of raw materials, in-process blends, and finished products, serving as the quality gatekeeper for product release and customer delivery
Analyze complex test results including wear patterns, oxidation stability, viscosity profiles, and tribological performance to drive data-driven formulation improvements
Partner cross-functionally with R&D and quality assurance teams to implement process improvements that enhance product consistency and manufacturing efficiency
Maintain technical expertise in cutting-edge additive technologies and evolving regulatory landscapes (REACH, GHS) to ensure competitive advantage and compliance
Generate comprehensive technical documentation and reports that support product certifications and enable customer technical support initiatives
Lead pilot-scale testing and plant trial coordination for new product launches and formulation enhancements, bridging laboratory innovation with commercial manufacturing
Champion health, safety, and environmental standards while implementing laboratory best practices that ensure operational excellence

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in a lubricant formulation or testing role

Required Skills

Proficiency with ASTM/ISO lubricant test methods (e.g., D445, D97, D92, D2896, etc.) Experience with analytical instruments (FTIR, ICP, GC, viscometers, etc.) Familiarity with lubricant additive packages, base oil compatibility, and formulation software/tools Strong problem-solving and data interpretation skills Excellent documentation, communication, and teamwork abilities
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The lubricants industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by the shift toward synthetic and bio-based lubricants, with manufacturers investing heavily in advanced formulation capabilities to meet evolving automotive and industrial equipment requirements. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Middle East region where there's growing emphasis on high-performance lubricants for extreme operating conditions. Regulatory pressures including REACH compliance and environmental sustainability mandates are reshaping product development priorities, requiring chemists to balance performance optimization with environmental impact reduction. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks while maintaining product competitiveness. The integration of digitalization and Industry 4.0 technologies in lubricant manufacturing is creating demand for chemists who can work with advanced analytical instruments and data interpretation software, making technical proficiency in modern laboratory equipment a critical differentiator in the job market.

Role Significance

Typical team structure would involve reporting to a Senior Chemist or Laboratory Manager while potentially supervising 2-3 junior chemists or laboratory technicians. The cross-functional collaboration requirements suggest active participation in project teams of 5-8 professionals across R&D, quality, and manufacturing departments.
This mid-level position represents a critical technical role within the organization's product development hierarchy, requiring independent decision-making authority over formulation optimization and quality assurance processes. The role serves as a bridge between senior R&D leadership and junior laboratory staff, indicating significant responsibility for technical outcomes and process improvement initiatives.

Key Projects

Leading reformulation initiatives for existing product lines to meet new OEM specifications or regulatory requirements, typically involving 6-12 month development cycles with significant revenue impact Spearheading new product development projects targeting emerging market segments such as electric vehicle lubricants or industrial specialty applications, requiring comprehensive market analysis and technical validation Managing quality improvement initiatives that reduce manufacturing variability and customer complaints, directly impacting company reputation and customer retention rates

Success Factors

Technical mastery of advanced analytical instrumentation and data interpretation capabilities will be crucial for identifying root causes of product performance issues and developing innovative solutions that differentiate the company's offerings in a competitive market landscape. Strong regulatory knowledge and compliance expertise will become increasingly important as environmental regulations tighten and customer specifications become more stringent, requiring proactive adaptation of formulations to meet evolving standards. Cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business-relevant recommendations will be essential for influencing product strategy decisions and securing resources for critical development projects. Continuous learning mindset and adaptability to new technologies will be vital as the industry evolves toward digitalization, sustainable chemistry practices, and advanced additive technologies that require ongoing skill development.

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced lubricant chemists in the Middle East region, particularly in the UAE's growing manufacturing sector. The combination of specialized technical knowledge and regulatory expertise required for this role creates a relatively small talent pool, giving qualified candidates significant leverage in salary negotiations and career advancement opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

ASTM and ISO testing methodology expertise is absolutely essential as these standards form the foundation of product quality assurance and customer acceptance criteria. Proficiency in these methods directly impacts the company's ability to meet contractual obligations and maintain customer relationships. Analytical instrumentation skills using FTIR, ICP, GC, and viscometry equipment are critical for daily operations and troubleshooting activities. These capabilities determine the chemist's ability to generate reliable data for formulation decisions and quality control processes. Data interpretation and problem-solving abilities are fundamental to success in identifying root causes of product performance issues and developing effective solutions. These skills directly impact product quality, customer satisfaction, and manufacturing efficiency.

Beneficial Skills

Formulation software proficiency and digital laboratory management systems knowledge will become increasingly valuable as the industry adopts more sophisticated modeling and data management tools to accelerate product development cycles. Sustainability and environmental chemistry expertise will provide competitive advantages as customers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly products and regulatory pressure continues to intensify around environmental impact reduction. Project management and cross-functional collaboration skills will enhance career progression opportunities by demonstrating leadership potential and ability to drive complex initiatives across organizational boundaries.

Unique Aspects

The role offers exposure to both automotive and industrial lubricant applications, providing broader technical experience than positions focused on single market segments and enhancing long-term career versatility
Working in the UAE's dynamic industrial sector provides opportunities to engage with international customers and suppliers, developing global market perspective and cross-cultural business skills
The emphasis on regulatory compliance including REACH and GHS requirements offers valuable expertise in navigating complex international regulatory frameworks, a increasingly important skill in the global chemicals industry
The combination of laboratory research and pilot plant responsibilities provides end-to-end product development experience, bridging the gap between research innovation and commercial manufacturing

Career Growth

Career progression to senior technical roles typically occurs within 3-4 years for high-performing individuals, while transition to management positions generally requires 5-7 years of progressive experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities in cross-functional project environments.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Lubricant Chemist or Principal Scientist positions typically become available within 3-5 years, offering expanded responsibility for strategic product development and team leadership Technical Manager or Laboratory Manager roles representing a transition into management with responsibility for multiple product lines and larger technical teams Product Development Manager positions that combine technical expertise with commercial strategy, requiring broader business acumen and market analysis capabilities

Company Overview

Lubricants Manufacturing Company

Lubricants Manufacturing Company appears to be a specialized manufacturer focused on developing and producing industrial and automotive lubricants, likely serving both regional and international markets from their Sharjah facility. The company's emphasis on regulatory compliance and OEM specifications suggests they supply products to major automotive and industrial equipment manufacturers.

The company's location in Sharjah, a major industrial hub in the UAE, positions them strategically within the Middle East's growing manufacturing sector. Their focus on advanced formulation capabilities and regulatory compliance indicates they compete in the mid-to-premium market segments rather than commodity lubricant markets.
Operating from Sharjah provides significant advantages including proximity to major shipping routes, access to regional automotive and industrial markets, and potential for export to emerging markets in Africa and Asia. The UAE's business-friendly environment and advanced infrastructure support efficient manufacturing and distribution operations.
Manufacturing companies in the UAE typically emphasize safety, quality, and technical excellence, creating structured work environments with clear processes and procedures. The multicultural nature of the UAE workforce often results in collaborative, diverse teams with opportunities for international exposure and career development.
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