ChampionX Corporation

Principal Chemist

ChampionX Corporation$110K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree in Chemistry or related field: Ph.D./M.S. with 2 years or B.S. with 4 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in synthetic chemistry, surface science, or polymer/small-molecule development with strong analytical skills.
  • Understanding of structure-property-performance relationships applied to production chemistry issues.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities to interpret incomplete data and make informed technical decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Champion and uphold company safety standards and best practices.
  • Lead research to solve complex challenges in phase separation, emulsion treatment, and flow improvement.
  • Drive technology and product development projects that have global relevance.
  • Design and optimize production chemistry formulations to enhance field performance.
  • Develop and refine testing methods to evaluate and support technology deployment.
  • Generate actionable insights from experimental data and communicate findings effectively.
  • Collaborate across teams to ensure successful technology migration from concept to field application.

Benefits

  • Make an impact and shape your career in a growth-oriented company.
  • Work in an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
  • Join a company with a strong emphasis on sustainability and safety.
  • Access a comprehensive benefits package starting on day one.
Full Job Description
Disclaimer: SLB completed the acquisition of ChampionX on July 16, 2025. If selected for this position, your employment will begin with ChampionX and will transition to SLB as part of the planned integration.

We are seeking a Principal Chemist to join our Production Maximization team in Sugar Land, Texas. In this role, you will provide technical leadership for a global portfolio of production chemistry technologies designed to maximize oil and gas production. You will lead the development and advancement of chemistry solutions for phase separation, water clarification, emulsion resolution, and flow improvement-helping customers improve asset performance, production efficiency, and overall operational reliability.

The ideal candidate brings the ability to turn complex technical challenges into practical, customer-focused solutions. You are an effective communicator, a collaborative partner, and a scientist who thrives in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

If you are passionate about translating chemistry into field-ready production solutions, we encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to join a growing organization where you can lead innovation, influence product strategy, and deliver measurable value to customers across the energy industry.

What's in it For You:
  • Make an impact and shape your career with a company committed to growth and innovation.
  • Join an organization that values diverse perspectives, inclusive collaboration, and the power of great teams.
  • Thrive in a company that prioritizes sustainability and fosters a strong safety-first culture.
  • Access a comprehensive benefits package starting on day one, including medical, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), and more.


What You Will Do:
  • Champion a strong safety culture by upholding company standards, promoting best practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Lead theoretical and applied research to solve complex production chemistry challenges related to phase separation, emulsion treatment, water clarification, and flow improvement.
  • Drive strategic technology and product development projects with global relevance and meaningful impact on the business.
  • Design and optimize innovative production chemistry formulations that address customer needs and improve field performance.
  • Develop and refine laboratory test methods, screening protocols, and application approaches to evaluate product performance and support successful technology deployment.
  • Interpret experimental and field data, generate actionable insights, and communicate findings through clear technical reports and presentations.
  • Advance continuous improvement across products, processes, and technical workflows to support responsible energy production and long-term business growth.
  • Collaborate across R&D, applications, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams to move technologies from concept through field adoption.


Minimum Qualifications:
  • Degree in Chemistry or a related technical field: Ph.D. or M.S. with 2 years of relevant experience, or B.S. with 4 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in synthetic chemistry, surface science, or polymer or small-molecule development, supported by strong analytical and characterization capabilities.
  • Understanding structure-property-performance relationships and the ability to apply that knowledge to practical production chemistry challenges.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret incomplete data, make sound technical judgments, and drive decisions forward.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Chemistry or a related technical field: Ph.D. or M.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience, or B.S. with 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Proven ability to engage with customers, identify technical needs, and translate those needs into differentiated production chemistry solutions.
  • Experience scaling products from laboratory development to pilot and full production, including close collaboration with manufacturing and operations teams.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments, data analytics, or statistical tools to accelerate formulation development and optimize performance is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail, sound prioritization skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across technical, operational, customer, and leadership audiences.


Physical Demands:
  • Role is deemed safety-sensitive and may be subject to employer or customer drug testing


About ChampionX Corporation

ChampionX Corporation provides chemistry programs and services to the oil and gas industry. The company offers reservoir management, production and midstream chemicals, artificial lift, and automation technologies. ChampionX Corporation was formerly known as Apergy Corporation and changed its name to ChampionX Corporation in January 2020. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Learn more about ChampionX Corporation
Size
7,000 employees
Market Cap
$5.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$743.9 million
5 Year Trend
+32.6%
Revenue
$1.9 billion
NASDAQ

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