Senior Development Technologist

BP PLC; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global energy leader is seeking a Senior Development Technologist in Reading, UK, to lead the development and testing of innovative motorsport lubricants. This role involves direct collaboration with top motorsport teams, managing end-to-end projects to deliver high-performance fluids. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and experience in lubricant development. The position offers opportunities for travel, a flexible work environment, and competitive compensation.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Health insurance

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in lubricant or additive development.
• Demonstrated hands-on formulation and testing experience.
• Ability to provide technical support to motorsport partners.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical interface for motorsport partners.
• Lead lubricant development projects end-to-end.
• Coordinate with operational teams for production.

Skills

Lubricant development

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Education

Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Full timeSenior Development TechnologistUnited Kingdom, Reading2026-02-051 day agoResearch & Technology* ---* EmailFull timeRQ105729Senior Development TechnologistUnited Kingdom, ReadingYou have successfully copied the job URL to clipboard!Experience levelIntermediateRelocation availableThis role is eligible for relocation within countryTravel requiredUp to 25% travel should be expected with this roleExperience levelIntermediateTravel requiredUp to 25% travel should be expected with this roleRelocation availableThis role is eligible for relocation within countryJob DescriptionWe have a great opportunity to join Castrol’s Motorsport Technology Team as a Senior Technologist, where you will be project lead for the development and testing of Castrol’s next generation motorsport lubricants in race categories such as Formula One, MotoGP, Formula E, WRC, DAKAR and NASCAR.The successful candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, working on rapid-turnaround research and development programmes to deliver a variety of innovative lubricants, greases, Dielectric, and any other fluids that our motorsport partners need technical support for. The products being developed with provide the highest levels of performance, durability, and sustainability possible. You will be the lubricant authority for your tagged motorsport team and will be in direct contact with engineers and senior leadership from some of the top motorsport teams in the world.**Key Responsibilities:*** Act as the primary technical interface for assigned motorsport partners by providing experienced lubricant development support, building strong networks across their technical organisations, and delivering detailed engineering insights directly to OEM teams.* Handle lubricant development projects end‑to‑end by planning, accomplishing, documenting, and delivering R&D programmes to agreed achievements, budgets, and trackside‑driven timelines.* Lead the development and optimisation of high‑performance motorsport fluids by formulating, refining, and validating products for engines, transmissions, chassis systems, and motorsport factory applications.* Design and implement comprehensive fluid test programmes that investigate critical design characteristics including tribology, rheology, lubrication regimes, viscosity behaviour, surface chemistry, thermal stability, and other essential performance properties.* Collaborate across bp‑Castrol’s technology, operations, and commercial functions by engaging with subject-matter guides, analysts, stewardship, IP, legal, quality, logistics, and external suppliers to ensure seamless delivery of development programmes.* Coordinate lubricant quality control and product release by reviewing analytical data, approving or rejecting batches, maintaining customer‑specific limits, and driving corrective actions where performance expectations are not met.* Coordinate with Castrol’s operational teams by preparing blending instructions, validating raw materials, and providing the support required to successfully manufacture motorsport‑specific fluids for use in partners’ factories and at race events.* Support the Motorsport Operations Team by ensuring all lubricant‑related shipments carry correct documentation and meet regulatory and safety requirements for global movement.* Mentor and support colleagues within the motorsport technology team by sharing technical knowledge, developing capability, and supplying to a high‑performance, learning‑focused team culture.* Champion bp‑Castrol’s technical excellence within motorsport by supporting internal and external communications, strengthening technical credibility, and reinforcing the value of motorsport technology to strategic OEM partnerships.**What do we want to see from you!****Essential*** Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Chemistry, Tribology, Materials Science, or a closely related technical subject area.* Demonstrated experience in lubricant, additive, or mobility‑fluid development, including hands‑on formulation, testing, or applied performance analysis.* Solid knowledge of lubrication fundamentals, including friction, wear mechanisms, viscosity behaviour, surface chemistry, rheology, and lubrication regimes relevant to engines, transmissions, and other automotive systems.* Confirmed experience delivering technical R&D or product‑development projects, with the ability to plan work, handle timelines, document results, and drive projects through to completion.* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including experimental design, interpretation of test data, root‑cause investigation, and evidence‑based decision‑making.* Ability to work autonomously and proactively, demonstrating ownership of technical tasks and responsibility for project outcomes.* Effective communication and social skills, with the ability to present insights clearly and engage confidently with internal and external participants.* Collaborative approach with multi-functional teams, demonstrating the ability to work effectively with laboratory staff, data analysts, operations, product stewardship, legal/IP, and external suppliers or test houses.**Desirable*** Experience in motorsport‑related lubricant, fluid, or additive development, or direct technical engagement with motorsport or automotive OEM partners.* Strong knowledge of automotive hardware, including combustion engines, transmissions, electrified powertrains, battery/EV systems, or hydraulic systems.At Castrol, we provide an excellent working environment and employee benefits such as an open and inclusive culture, a great work-life balance, tremendous learning and development opportunities to craft your career path, life and health insurance, medical care package, and many others.We support our people to learn and grow in a diverse and complicated environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to crafting an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected and treated fairly.There are many aspects of our employees’ lives that are important, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits can include flexible working options, collaboration spaces in a modern office environment, and many others benefits.Apply now!**Legal Disclaimer:**We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please .If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.* ---* EmailFull timeRQ105729Senior Development TechnologistUnited Kingdom, ReadingYou have successfully copied the job URL to clipboard!**Our innovative Energize recognition points programme and spot awards translate exceptional performance into tangible rewards, to motivate our high performers.**Pay bp offers competitive pay in line with industry standards, making us an employer of choice. Discretionary bonusWe offer discretionary bonuses to reward strong company, business unit and individual performance, and recognition awards, including those related to long service to recognize commitment to the company. Retirement & savings We offer