Research & Development Manager, Automotive & Powersports

Research & Development Manager, Automotive & Powersports Job Description Posted Monday, August 31, 2026 at 4:00 AM Who are we? At Calumet we deliver innovative specialty products trusted by companies across the globe. We are the foundation to everyday essential products that help millions of people live and thrive. We are headquartered in Indianapolis and have numerous production locations in the US. We are customer focused and utilize our values of collaboration and entrepreneurship to grow the business. We offer a dynamic, high-performance environment where team members can have real input and impact on our business. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, treat the business as if it is your own and add value accordingly, come see why we’re Calumet Proud!

PURPOSE:

R&D Managers are integral members of the Product Management / Research and Development Team, responsible for designing and delivering premium products that support business growth objectives. This role spans the full product development lifecycle—from initial concept through commercialization and includes continuous improvement of existing formulations to meet evolving industry, OEM, and customer requirements. This role is critical in ensuring our portfolio remains technically differentiated, market-relevant, and aligned with the strategic direction of the business.

KEY OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead consumer products lubricants and performance chemical product development projects. Develop products that demonstratemeasurable performance advantages. Secure relevantOEM and industry approvals. Collaborate closely withkey suppliers and industry expertsto assessbase oil and additive technologies. Design and executetest programsto benchmark performance againstindustry standards and OEM specifications. Work with Cross-functional teams to develop company products that support brand strategy by collaborating with suppliers and OEMs to deliver innovative products. Evaluate function and performance of raw materials in formulations. Provide expert technical support to external customers and internal cross-functional teams such as quality-control, production, sales, marketing teams and customers. Design and execute test programs to demonstrate and validate product technology, claims, and benefits. Maintain knowledge of industry and specifications, OEMs, API, ILSAC, ACEA, ATIEL and other test standards. Develop and maintain product development processes. Collaborate with, direct the work for and manage R&D Chemists. Other duties as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCES:

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related scientific field. MS or PhD preferred. Minimum 10 years research experience in formulating finished lubricants and/or greases. Established laboratory safety, technical competency with strong lubricant principles background. Experience using analytical equipment according to ASTM, DIN and ISO methods. Experience in the lubricants industry and working with OEMs, additive companies, and base oil companies. Strong attention to detail, problem solving, and organizational skills. Effective writing and oral presentation skills to clearly communicate ideas, data, recommendations, and conclusions. Effective project management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects and other technical tasks simultaneously and deliver results in a timely manner. Strong interpersonal, networking and communication skills to work with suppliers, OEMs, customers, and at industry meetings.

COMPETENCIES:

Business Acumen & Partnership – Demonstrated ability to understand the business and align activity to meet business needs at both strategic and operational levels. Delivers Results – Attentive to detail and demonstrated ability to deliver on accountabilities to help the business and the team be successful. Track record of high-performance. Drive– Positive energy, ambitious, courageous, flexible but decisive, with the ability to take on continuous and complex business challenges in a fast-paced environment. Persistence to drive to solutions despite obstacles and/or competing priorities. Emotional Maturity – Ability to withstand pressure and manage emotions effectively to create the right effect on people and organization. Ethics & Integrity – High degree of personal integrity in all business dealings. Functional Skill – General awareness, exposure, and understanding across product development, research and innovation. Judgment/Decision-Making – Smart, with the ability to think through issues and make wise decisions, often without all facts and information or high levels of direction. Problem-Solving & Opportunity Identification – Ability to frame clear problem statements and use objective information and data to help solve complex business challenges and generate options and solutions for business leaders. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to contribute value to the business. Teamwork/Collaboration – An effective team player with a positive attitude, strong customer service orientation, and focused on delivering outstanding results to clients and the business. Demonstration of Calumet Values – Safety, Environment & Social Responsibility, Teamwork, Ownership, Passion for Customers, and Excellence Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. We are an equal opportunity employer including disability and veteran and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact our HR team at View email address on click.appcast.io . Requests for accommodations will not impact hiring decisions, and all information provided will be kept confidential. All offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test #J-18808-Ljbffr Calumet, Inc.