Baker Hughes

Principal, Research and Technology Development - Chemistry & Chemical

Baker Hughes$120K — $145K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with relevant oilfield experience.
  • Proven expertise in paraffin and asphaltene control and organic solids management.
  • Experience in developing or improving chemical formulations for production chemistry applications.
  • Strong laboratory skills for designing experiments and interpreting results.
  • Ability to connect chemical structures with product performance in production scenarios.
  • Experience in technical customer engagement and translating needs into development priorities.
  • Effective communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and commercialization of paraffin and asphaltene control products.
  • Standardize laboratory test methods for various production chemistry applications.
  • Design and interpret laboratory studies linking crude oil properties with chemical performance.
  • Serve as the technical authority for paraffin and asphaltene technologies, offering recommendations and insights.
  • Engage directly with customers to understand their production challenges and incorporate feedback into product strategies.
  • Contribute to technical publications, intellectual property, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
  • Provide technical training for internal teams related to paraffin and asphaltene technologies.

Benefits

  • Flexible working patterns to accommodate customer needs.
  • Comprehensive private medical care options and wellbeing activities.
  • Life insurance and disability programs as a safety net.
  • Education assistance for ongoing professional development.
  • Generous parental leave and support for mental health resources.
  • Pet insurance and additional voluntary benefit options.
Full Job Description

Paraffin and Asphaltene Principal Scientist – Upstream Chemicals

Are you passionate about developing innovative chemical solutions to solve complex flow assurance and organic solids challenges?

Do you thrive on combining scientific expertise, laboratory innovation, and customer engagement to deliver impactful production chemistry solutions?

Partner with the best

As a Paraffin and Asphaltene Principal Scientist, you will develop, evaluate, and advance chemical solutions for wax and asphaltene control while serving as a technical authority for product development and laboratory testing. This role requires strong customer-facing technical engagement, including listening to the voice of the customer, understanding production challenges, and translating customer needs into product performance requirements, testing strategies, and practical technology solutions. The successful candidate will help drive customer satisfaction by connecting technical expertise, laboratory performance, and field-relevant recommendations to measurable customer outcomes.

Fueling your passion

To be successful in this role, you will bring deep technical expertise in organic solids control, production chemistry, chemical formulation, and laboratory product evaluation, along with the ability to engage customers from a technical perspective. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on principal technical expert who can design experiments, understand mechanisms, develop products, improve test methods, listen to customer needs, and influence technology direction through strong scientific judgment and customer-focused technical performance.

As a Paraffin and Asphaltene Principal Scientist, you will be responsible for:

  • Leading paraffin and asphaltene product development from concept through formulation, screening, qualification, and commercialization support.

  • Developing, improve, and standardize laboratory test methods for paraffin inhibitors, pour point depressants, asphaltene inhibitors, dispersants, solvents, and remediation chemistries.

  • Designing and interpret rigorous laboratory studies that connect crude oil behavior, deposit characteristics, chemical structure, formulation design, and product performance.

  • Serving as a principal technical authority for paraffin and asphaltene technologies, including testing strategy, performance interpretation, technical recommendations, and technology direction.

  • Engaging directly with customers and internal stakeholders to understand production challenges, capture voice-of-customer needs, and translate feedback into product development priorities that improve customer satisfaction.

  • Contributing to intellectual property, technical publications, internal reports, test procedures, knowledge transfer, and technical training for paraffin and asphaltene technologies.

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • Have Bachelor27s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline with significant relevant experience in oilfield chemicals, organic solids control, product development, or laboratory testing.

  • Demonstrates technical experience in paraffin/wax control, asphaltene control, organic deposition, crude oil characterization, or production chemical product development.

  • Have experience developing, screening, qualifying, or improving paraffin inhibitors, pour point depressants, asphaltene inhibitors, asphaltene dispersants, or solvent/remediation products.

  • Have strong laboratory background, including experience designing experiments, developing test methods, interpreting results, and documenting technical conclusions.

  • Have ability to connect crude oil behavior, deposit characteristics, chemical structure, formulation design, and product performance.

  • Have ability to work independently as a principal technical expert while collaborating across R&D, product management, technical support, and regional teams.

  • Have experience engaging with customers or technical stakeholders to understand performance needs, communicate technical recommendations, and support customer satisfaction through technical problem solving.

  • Have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical findings clearly and defend recommendations with data.

Desired:

  • Have advanced degree, such as an M.S. or Ph.D., in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical field

  • Have deep expertise in wax crystallization, paraffin deposition, pour point depression, asphaltene stability, asphaltene deposition, dispersancy, solvency, or organic solids remediation.

  • Have experience with laboratory methods such as cold finger testing, rheology, pour point testing, wax appearance temperature evaluation, asphaltene stability testing, deposition testing, centrifuge methods, high-pressure testing, or deposit characterization.

  • Have experience developing products for deepwater, subsea, offshore, winterized, high-pressure, high-temperature, or environmentally sensitive applications.

  • Have experience translating laboratory performance into field-relevant recommendations, product qualification plans, or commercialization decisions.

  • Have Knowledge of upstream chemical application methods, treatment program design, field trial support, or regional technical support needs.

  • Have experience contributing to patents, peer-reviewed publications, technical papers, conference presentations, internal standards, or technical training.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor scientists and technologists and influence technology direction across a matrixed global organization

Work in a way that works for you

We recognize that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone too. In this role, we can offer the following flexible working patterns:  

This role is working with our customer on-site. When onsite, you will have the flexibility to work in line with customer working patterns.  

Working for you

Our inventions have revolutionized energy for over a century. But to keep going forward tomorrow, we know we have to push the boundaries today. We prioritize rewarding those who embrace change with a package that reflects how much we value their input.

What You Can Expect

  • Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities

  • Comprehensive private medical care options

  • Safety net of life insurance and disability programs

  • Tailored financial programs

  • Education Assistance

  • Generous Parental Leave

  • Mental Health resources, Virtual Therapy Programs

  • Dependent and Partners Care

  • Pet Insurance

  • Additional elected or voluntary benefits

This position requires valid work authorization in the country of employment. The employer is unable to sponsor work authorization for this role at any time.



You will be eligible to participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, including health & welfare programs and the Thrift Plan (401k). You will have a choice of coverage options that best suit your needs. Coverage options and contribution amounts are related to your benefit elections, base salary level, and specific requirements of each of these plans.

This position is eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, which can be found , and is further eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans or policies.

The Baker Hughes internal title for this role is: Principal, Chemistry & Chemical, Research and Technology Development

About Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides solutions for energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet.

Baker Hughes Careers

Joining Baker Hughes presents a unique opportunity to be part of a global team that stands at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the energy sector. As a leading company in the industry, Baker Hughes offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights through cutting-edge technology and transformative projects.

Work You’ll Do

At Baker Hughes, you will engage in work that reshapes the future of energy. Our team is dedicated to pioneering solutions that make energy safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Your role will enable you to lead projects that challenge the status quo and drive significant industry advancements.

Innovate and Grow

Step into a role at Baker Hughes, and you’ll find yourself at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation. With over 60,000 professionals globally, our expansive team thrives on diversity and expertise, fostering an inclusive culture that values each individual’s contribution toward our collective goals.

Professional Growth and Development

Baker Hughes is committed to the professional growth of its employees. Whether through leadership development programs, diversity training, or hands-on internship experiences, we ensure that every team member receives the support and opportunities necessary to realize their full potential. Our commitment to professional development is reflected in our robust training programs and accessible leadership, geared towards nurturing skills that pave the way for substantial career advancement.

Explore Career Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Baker Hughes offers a range of positions across various fields. From engineering to digital solutions, our career paths are as diverse as the innovative projects we handle.

Join Our Team

Discover the array of benefits that a career at Baker Hughes offers. From competitive salaries to comprehensive health benefits, and a culture that actively supports work-life balance, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. Explore job opportunities and open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for ambitious, curious, and driven team members.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Baker Hughes internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, develop essential skills, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships offer a real insight into the energy sector, providing a solid foundation for future employment opportunities.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Baker Hughes by joining our community. Receive updates on new job openings, company news, and industry insights directly to your inbox. Personalize your experience by subscribing to our job alert emails, tailored to your career preferences and interests.

Networking and Interviews

Prepare to engage with industry leaders and peers through our networking events and during the interview process. At Baker Hughes, we look for innovative, solution-driven team players who are ready to make an impact. Ready your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Baker Hughes.

Empower Your Career

Choose Baker Hughes for a career that offers not just employment, but a platform to innovate, lead, and contribute to an energy future that is sustainable and efficient. Join us in our mission to continue being a leader in the energy sector, driving forward with dedication and expertise.

Search Baker Hughes Jobs

Start your journey with Baker Hughes today. Search for open positions that align with your career goals and apply now. The opportunity to be part of a global leader in energy innovation is just a few clicks away.
Learn more about Baker Hughes
Size
67,000 employees
Market Cap
$28.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$9.9 billion
Founded
1972
5 Year Trend
+15.8%
Revenue
$20.7 billion
NASDAQ

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