Chemical Engineer / Chemist - Base Oil and Lubricant Production

About this role

A Chemical Engineer or Chemist is needed in Kaduna to support waste oil recycling, base oil production and lubricant manufacturing. The role focuses on hands-on lab work, process monitoring, quality testing and formulation of lubricant blends. The employer, Petromech Engineering United Limited, specialises in waste management and base oil/lubricant production and operates a large workshop for maintenance and manufacturing. The position requires practical industry experience and laboratory skills. The role involves ensuring product quality, maintaining records and complying with safety and environmental procedures.

What you would do

• Monitor waste oil treatment and base oil production processes (dehydration, vacuum distillation, bleaching, filtration).
• Adjust process parameters to improve quality, yield, and efficiency.
• Assess incoming waste oil and raw materials for suitability.
• Operate laboratory equipment and perform calibration checks.
• Maintain sample traceability and manage laboratory chemicals and consumables.
• Develop and follow standard operating procedures and train production staff.
• Prepare laboratory reports, batch records, production reports and certificates of analysis.
• Ensure compliance with safety, chemical handling, environmental and quality procedures.
• Conduct laboratory tests (viscosity, density, flash point, pour point, water content, TAN, colour).
• Investigate production problems and coordinate with production and maintenance teams to address deviations.

What they are asking for

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in waste oil recycling, base oil production, lubricant manufacturing or petroleum product testing.
• Ability to identify process and quality issues and propose corrective actions.
• Ability to work with production operators, lab personnel and maintenance teams.
• Strong laboratory skills and the ability to operate testing equipment and interpret results independently.
• Familiarity with ASTM or other approved lab test methods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accurate technical reporting.
• Knowledge of lubricant formulations, additives, oil treatment processes and product quality specs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry.
• Attention to detail, analytical ability, accountability and safe working practices.
• Practical experience in waste oil-to-base oil processing and/or base oil-to-lubricant production.

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