Engine/Propulsion Lab Team Leader

Valvoline - Ashland, OR

Full-time - Mid Level

Ashland, OR

Repair and Maintenance

About the position

Valvoline Global is seeking a dedicated and skilled Team Leader for its Engine/Propulsion Lab located in Ashland, KY. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety, security, and environmental responsibility of the lab's operations. The Team Leader will oversee non-internal combustion engine testing and lead research and development efforts related to HEV/EV batteries. This position requires collaboration with various departments, including Marketing, to create effective marketing materials and product differentiations. The Team Leader will also supervise and mentor lab employees and contractors, fostering a culture of excellence and safety within the team. In this role, the Team Leader will be responsible for leading non-fired rig testing, which includes driveline and differential systems, mileage accumulation dynos, and EV/HEV testing. The position entails developing unique testing procedures and conducting failure analysis. The Team Leader will represent Valvoline at industry governing bodies, ensuring compliance and calibration of tests. Safety is a top priority, and the Team Leader will conduct weekly safety walkthroughs, manage contractor safety, and oversee emergency management and waste handling at the facility. Additionally, the Team Leader will lead research and development efforts related to EV/HEV batteries, working closely with external partners to enhance technical understanding and safety management. Facility maintenance, budgeting, and coordination with other departments and external partners are also key responsibilities of this role. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, with at least five years of relevant experience, and will be committed to fostering a safe and productive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the facility manager of Ashland Lab to ensure safety, security & environmental responsibility of the operation
• Lead non-internal combustion engine testing at the facility
• Lead HEV/EV battery related research and development
• Collaborate with Marketing and other departments to develop materials for marketing collaterals and product differentiations
• Supervise, manage and mentor employees and contractors at the lab
• Lead the non-fired rig testing at the facility including driveline and differential systems, mileage accumulation dynos, EV/HEV testing and dynos, cold room, etc.
• Responsible for special and/or unique testing and procedure development, and related failure analysis
• Communicate with and represent Valvoline at industry governing bodies of these tests for calibration, benchmarking and compliance
• Ensure safe and responsible operations at the lab and function as the alternate facility manager in the absence of the primary facility manager
• Conduct weekly safety walkthroughs
• Manage the security guard service, contractor safety, the DOT Hazmat shipment certificate, chemical storage, leaks and spills, risk planning and management, and emergency management and waste from the facility
• Responsible for incident handling and reporting, MOC, VTrac, audit preparation and readiness, GQMS review and update, and safety training
• Lead the EV/HEV battery related research and development work at the facility
• Work with external partners to improve technical understanding of batteries, power storage, and safety management
• Facility maintenance, upgrades, budgeting and utilization
• Responsible for external vendors, contractors, local IT requirements, storage and space management, including oil and coolant inventories
• Coordinate with other groups within R&D, other departments and external partners to ensure full utilization of the assets and capabilities at the facility, and develop new capabilities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering or related field; advanced degree is a plus
• At least 5 years of experience in the same or similar environment and role; prior experience with engine testing or EV battery testing is a plus
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to walk, bend, climb, stoop, and perform periodic lifting.

Benefits

• 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