Scientist Lubrication - (NL-SE-DE)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 16, 2026. SKF scores A on the Alion truth index.
Do you thrive working with a combination of Research & Technology development and collaborating with people with different competencies? Are you excited about research and innovation? If yes, then please continue reading.
We are the Research & Technology Development (RTD) team at SKF B.V. Netherlands. We are a diverse and multicultural group of creative and innovative professionals primarily based in Houten, the Netherlands. We create value by providing innovative solutions around Research and Technology for bearings. To strengthen the Lubrication Team in Houten we are looking for a:
Scientist Lubrication - (Leadership role) - (Houten (NL), Gothenburg (SE) or Schweinfurt (DE)
This position is a senior role in the team of professional lubrication specialists. As a Scientist, you collaborate and lead Research and Technology development activities to develop, scale up, and transfer the knowledge between RTD and SKF operations. You combine a solid scientific background with a hands-on approach to develop physics-based models to contribute to the area of lubricating grease and bearing performance and life predictability. You will be leading and supporting R&D projects focused on lubrication, Grease Life (Theory) modeling, lubricant, and material selection.
Job Requirements
- A PhD in mechanical engineering or physics/chemical engineering.
- After your PhD, you gained 10+ years of relevant experience in bearing lubrication and modeling.
- A broad and advanced knowledge specifically on grease lubrication and various modeling techniques
- Proven stakeholder management and leadership in identifying the research and technology needs in the area of lubrication and bringing the experts together to solve a technical challenge in the application
- Experience in lubricant selection for bearings, specifications and tribology; high interests to guide & perform experimental research in support of modeling.
- Proven ability to drive full value chain from customers technology needs to R&D and vice versa
- Having a helicopter view on lubrication competence and ability to mentor and coach a group of various experts in the area of lubrication
- Enthusiastic attitude; initiative-taking and pro-active personality; business-focused and result-oriented; advanced communication skills and fluent in English.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and supporting the Grease Life and Friction modeling, transferring the experimental research into models, and guiding experimental research.
- Contribute and support in providing the inputs for Lubrication research roadmaps.
- Guide and support the collaboration with external partners (Universities and Suppliers).
- Steer the technical discussion with various stakeholders (customers, suppliers, manufacturers etc.) to contribute to mapping and completing the future needs of various SKF business segments.
- Building insights, knowledge, and skills on different lubrication technologies.
- Aiding in technical development and mentoring of junior specialists like researchers and senior researchers with PhDs.
- Manage and contribute to the Research and Technology development activities around Lubrication. Nurture and support to innovation and knowledge development in the lubrication area.
Our offer
We offer you the opportunity to work in an innovative and well-equipped R&D international environment, which is part of a large, innovative company with a proven reputation. The position is based in the team in the Netherlands (Houten). You will join a team of highly motivated colleagues and you will work in cross-competence projects. We look forward to seeing you develop as a professional who creates a career in SKF, and we will support your steps. Of course, our employment conditions are competitive. SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we passionately believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued growth. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential.
Additional information
This position will be in Houten (NL), Gothenburg (SE) or Schweinfurt (DE), on a local contract. Preferred location is in Houten, the Netherlands. You will report to the Competence Area Team leader Lubrication.
How to apply
If you are interested and meet the above requirements, please apply via our website or LinkedIn with your CV and motivation letter. We only take applications into consideration that are written in English.