Job Description
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Technical Manager specializing in Automotive Fluids. This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee the development, optimization, and application of advanced automotive fluid technologies.
Title Senior Technical Manager
Salary: 90-100K (over 100k negotiable)
Working Hour: M-F 8:00 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.
Responsibilities
The Senior Technical Manager will lead product application development and support technical service activities
for engine coolants, brake fluids, and related automotive chemical products. This role is responsible for managing a small team of chemists and technicians, overseeing laboratory operations, work programs, supporting OEM customers, and ensuring full compliance with industry specifications—including ASTM D15 methods. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience in automotive fluids, demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to effectively interface with global colleagues, including Japanese language skills preferred.
▼Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Product Application Development
Lead application testing, and commercial optimization of engine coolants, brake fluids, and other
automotive chemical products.
Oversee performance testing, certification, and compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ASTM D3306,
D6210, D2570, D2809, D1121, D1287, and FMVSS 116 for brake fluids).
Direct root-cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain expertise in base fluids, additive technologies, corrosion inhibitors, and heat transfer fluids.
Support the development of PI sheets, specifications, MSDS and other documentation as required.
▼Laboratory & Staff Management
Manage a small team of chemists and lab technicians; provide mentorship, coaching, and performance
evaluations.
Ensure that all laboratory work follows internal SOPs, safety protocols, and quality systems.
Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and efficiency improvements.
▼OEM & Customer Support
Provide technical support to field staff, OEMs, aftermarket customers, and global affiliates.
Prepare technical reports, data, presentations, and documentation for customer reviews and audits.
Support product approvals, field testing, and customer implementation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, quality, and global R&D teams.
Coordinate regularly with colleagues in Japan; provide technical translation support where possible.
Participate in cross-company initiatives, new business development efforts, and process improvements.
Skills
▼Required Qualifications
Minimum bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related scientific field. Advanced degree preferred.
5+ years of professional experience in automotive fluids (coolants, brake fluids, lubricants, or related chemistry).
Strong hands-on knowledge of ASTM D15 committee standards and related test methods.
Experience working with or supporting automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
Proven ability to lead and develop technical staff in a laboratory environment.
Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills.
▼Preferred Qualifications
Experience supervising technical staff, including responsibility for workload planning, coaching, and performance management.
Japanese language skills (reading, writing, or conversational) to interface with global R&D teams.
Experience with ISO 9001/14001, quality systems, or product approval processes.
Experience with coolant additive packages, corrosion inhibitor chemistry, or heat-transfer fluids.
Prior work in international organizations or joint ventures.
Pay: Up to $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
automobile fluids: 5 years (Required)
ASTM D15: 5 years (Required)
Management: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
