Director, Global OEM Technology

Why Valvoline Global Operations?

At Valvoline Global Operations, we’re proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we’ve never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry. Today, as an affiliate of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driven by innovation and committed to creating sustainable solutions for a better future.

With a global presence, we develop future-ready products and provide best-in-class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion.

Our corporate values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence—are at the heart of everything we do. These values define how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we engage with our partners, customers, and the communities we serve. At Valvoline Global, we are united in our commitment to:

• 
  Treating everyone with care.
• Acting with unwavering integrity.
• Striving for excellence in all endeavors.
• Delivering on our commitments with passion.
• Collaborating as one unified team.

When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions.

How You’ll Make an Impact

The Director, Global OEM Technology is a high-impact global role responsible for driving technical engagement with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop and optimize lubrication and coolant solutions. This individual will possess deep expertise in internal combustion engines, transmissions, drivelines, and glycol-based coolants, with the ability to formulate engine oils and lead discussions on tribology, friction reduction, and parasitic loss optimization. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), this role will serve as the VGO technical representative, collaborating with OEM engineering teams to support hardware analysis, failure investigations, and next-generation fluid development.

Responsibilities Include

• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all projects and product developments align with Valvoline’s Zero Incident Culture, regulatory requirements, and sustainability commitments.
• OEM Engagement & Technical Representation: Act as the VGO primary technical liaison with OEM customers worldwide, providing expertise in lubrication, tribology, metallurgy and fluid dynamics.
• Emerging Technology Expertise: Identify and meet the evolving needs of electric vehicles, hydrogen combustion, fuel cells, high-performance computing, and fast-charging systems with advanced fluid solutions.
• OEM & Industry Representation: Represent Valvoline Global at OEM meetings, technical committees, conferences, and industry expos, shaping the future of lubrication technologies.
• Intellectual Property & Innovation: Identify opportunities for new formulations and tribology advancements, securing intellectual property through patents or trade secrets.
• Failure Analysis & Hardware Optimization: Partner with OEM engineering teams to analyze hardware performance, investigate failure modes, and develop friction-reducing and energy-efficient formulations.
• Strategic Business Support: Collaborate with product strategy, technical leadership, and OEM sales teams to drive business growth through technical leadership and fluid innovations.
• Aramco Integration: Support efforts to expand Aramco base oil approvals within OEM portfolios, strengthening global product integration.
• Participate in the development of driveline fluids, engine oils, heat transfer fluids, and dielectric fluids, ensuring alignment with emerging market needs and OEM requirements.
• Other duties and responsibilities as determined by Valvoline from time to time in its sole discretion

What You’ll Need

• Extensive expertise in engine oil formulation, driveline fluids, and coolant technologies, with a strong understanding of OEM validation processes.
• Deep knowledge of failure analysis techniques, energy loss calculations, and tribology testing methodologies.
• Proven experience in working with OEMs, influencing hardware design and lubricant specifications.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to manage technical teams and guide global product strategies.
• Excellent communication and technical representation abilities, capable of engaging with senior OEM leadership, presenting at conferences, and influencing industry standards.
• Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with electric vehicles, hydrogen combustion, fuel cells, and high-performance computing cooling needs.
• Internal Combustion Engines & Driveline Systems: Deep understanding of engine mechanics, transmission dynamics, and driveline efficiency.
• Fluid Formulation Expertise: Strong background in engine oil formulation, driveline fluids, and glycol-based coolants.
• Tribology & Lubrication Science: Expertise in friction, wear, and energy loss analysis, with the ability to optimize fluid performance for OEM applications.
• Industry Standards & OEM Approval Processes: Strong grasp of OEM validation procedures, regulatory requirements, and global lubrication standards.
• Collaboration & OEM Engagement: Strong track record of working directly with OEMs, influencing hardware design, and securing product approvals.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate hardware inefficiencies, perform root cause analysis, and develop tribology solutions.
• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple complex projects, ensuring on-time delivery and alignment with business strategy.
• Global Perspective: Capable of working in a multinational environment, managing global OEM partnerships and industry collaborations.
• Ability to ocassionally lift 40 pounds required

Benefits That Drive Themselves

• Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
• HSA and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k)
• Incentive opportunity*
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays*
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement*
• Adoption assistance*

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Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout our recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact us at:.

• 
  Phone: 1-800-Valvoline
• Email: 1800valvoline@valvolineglobal.com

This contact information is solely for accommodation requests. For inquiries about application status, please use the appropriate channels listed in your application materials.

Are You Ready to Make an Impact?

At Valvoline Global, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our journey of innovation and excellence. Are you ready to shape the future with us? Apply today.

Requisition ID: 1394