VBASE Careers

Location: Pendleton, South Carolina
Company: VBASE Oil Company

Build the future of lubrication at VBASE.
We’re compressing 30 years of formulation development into a 3‑year cycle to give our customers the data and insights they need to formulate with SPE®—a new base oil that lacks decades of historical know‑how. With our proprietary SPE® platform, a Smart Throughput Lab, and a mission‑driven team of scientists, engineers, and technologists, we’re empowering partners to move fast, think deeply, and leave legacy lubricants behind.

This is not a routine R&D job.

This is an opportunity to help build an advanced lubricant formulation engine that will provide the guidance our customers need to succeed with SPE.

If you're energized by speed, rigor, sustainability, and the chance to shape a cleaner, smarter future for global lubrication — you’ll thrive at VBASE.

Position Summary

We are seeking a mission-driven Senior Scientist to lead the execution of VBASE’s “30 in 3” vision — compressing 30 years of formulation development into a3 year cycle. This role will sit at the center of our R&D strategy, balancing the immediate need for high-throughput, high-quality testing with the long-term buildout of a Smart Throughput Lab. You will guide experimental planning, coordinate lab execution, and lay the groundwork for integrating digital tools, structured data systems, and AI-assisted workflows.

You will also play a central role in advancing VBASE’s proprietary Secondary Polyol Ester® (SPE®) platform — generating the depth of formulation and performance knowledge needed to support industry wide adoption of this next-generation base oil.

You won’t do it alone: you’ll be supported by an experienced technician team and leading consultants in base oil formulation and tribology. While deep domain expertise is not required, a strong understanding of lubricant testing, data structures, and system-level thinking is essential. This role is ideal for someone ready to lead through ambiguity, build while delivering, and help transform how new base oils are brought to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute the 30 in 3 vision: deliver high-quality formulation data at pace while progressively integrating digital tools and smart lab systems.
• Translate formulation strategy into efficient, testable experiments in collaboration with technicians and expert consultants.
• Lead formulation development using VBASE synthetic ester base oils across industrial, automotive, marine, and environmental applications.
• Coordinate and oversee lab testing execution — ensuring experiments are run correctly, consistently, and logged in a structured format.
• Build and maintain a digital formulation library that supports predictive structure-property modeling and future data-driven development.
• Apply or support the application of AI/machine learning tools for formulation optimization and knowledge extraction.
• Operate within a stage-gate innovation framework, ensuring technical programs align with commercial and regulatory targets.
• Collaborate with internal engineers, data scientists, consultants, and customers to align testing with real-world demands.
• Help shape the operational model of the VBASE Tribology and Formulation (TAF) Center as a Smart Throughput Lab.
• Document work rigorously and contribute to technical data packages, IP generation, and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of base oil behavior, additive interactions, and tribological performance.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in formulation science, lab execution, or physical property testing (startups, fast-paced R&D, or consulting projects qualify) Knowledge of and eager to apply AI/ML and digital tools in formulation R&D
• Comfortable directing lab workstreams and coordinating across multiple functions
• Familiarity with industry testing standards (ASTM, DIN, ISO) and lubricant evaluation protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects, communicate effectively, and operate in a fast-paced innovation environment.
• Comfortable directing lab workstreams and coordinating across multiple functions
• Able to think in systems — balancing the need for data quality today with the buildout of data infrastructure for tomorrow

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• A central role in a mission-driven company at the forefront of sustainable lubricant technology.
• Opportunity to shape the development of a world-class formulation lab and research capability.
• Dynamic, collaborative environment focused on innovation and scientific excellence.
• High quality of life in Upstate South Carolina, with access to lakes, mountains, and the Greenville metro area.

Location: Pendleton, South Carolina
Company: VBASE Oil Company

VBASE Oil Company is seeking a Lubricant Test Specialist to support advanced formulation research in our new Tribology and Formulation Center. This role is ideal for a hands-on, technically skilled individual with a deep understanding of test equipment, a passion for experimentation, and a strong work ethic.

As a Lubricant Test Specialist at VBASE, your number one responsibility will be to run lubricant and tribology tests correctly, consistently, and at a high pace. You will play a central role in developing and analyzing data by executing lubricant performance tests, supporting structured R&D workflows that are part of VBASE’s “30 in 3” campaign—an ambitious initiative to accelerate lubricant formulation knowledge through our Smart Throughput™ laboratory – that is high-throughput testing combined with a data-aware, AI-supported lab.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of building a next-generation test lab from the ground up, working alongside scientists, consultants, and engineers to define new standards for lubricant innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a range of tribology and physical property test equipment (e.g., friction and wear, thermal, oxidation and shear stability, elastomer and mechanical equipment compatibility, thermo-physical property testing etc).
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate test instruments and develop new methods for advanced lubricant testing
• Prepare and test lubricant samples in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and DIN methods.
• Accurately collect, organize, and input test data into internal databases and reports.
• Support lab setup, equipment installation, and workflow optimization as new capabilities are brought online to increase testing speed, throughput, and sample handling efficiency.
• Interface with digital data collection tools, structured test tracking systems (e.g., LIMS), and contribute to workflows that enable AI-driven analysis and automation.
• Follow established safety procedures and contribute to lab cleanliness, organization, and efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to execute experimental test plans and resolve technical challenges.
• Learn new equipment and adapt quickly to evolving lab technologies and protocols.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience; (Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Materials, or Engineering preferred but not required if practical experience is strong.)
• 3+ years of experience running lubricant, fuel, or chemical test equipment in a lab setting.
• Strong knowledge of physical property test procedures and preferentially friction and wear testing.
• Demonstrated ability to follow test protocols precisely and manage data with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and excited to contribute to a high-performance lab team.
• Comfortable working in labs where instruments, data systems, and automation are increasingly integrated.
• Willingness to relocate to Pendleton, SC (relocation assistance available).

 Preferred but Not Required Qualifications

• Experience building or modifying custom lab equipment (mechanical, electrical, or systems integration).
• Familiarity with basic machining, 3D printing, or hardware prototyping.
• Exposure to programming or interfacing lab instruments using APIs or scripting tools (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
• Ability to assist in lab automation or data acquisition workflows.

What We Offer

• Hands-on role in a mission-driven company to shape the next-generation Smart Throughput Lab
• Daily collaboration with a senior team of lubricant experts, chemists, and engineers
• High agency and visibility in a mission-driven company focused on sustainability and real-world impact
• Competitive compensation and full benefits package.
• Quality of life in Pendleton, SC, close to Clemson University, with nearby lakes, trails, and the Greenville metro area.