F1 Senior Trackside Researcher

About the Role

Aramco is seeking a highly skilled Formula 1 Fluid Research Specialist to deliver expert technical support in the trackside analysis and compliance assurance of Aramco race fuels and Valvoline lubricants supplied to the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ team. This role ensures peak fuel performance and full compliance with FIA technical regulations throughout the race season.

Embedded within the race team, the role supports fluid sampling, analysis, and reliability monitoring across Power Unit, Gearbox, and Hydraulic Systems. It demands a balance of technical precision, regulatory vigilance, and strong interpersonal engagement in a high-pressure motorsport environment.

Key Responsibilities

Fuel & Lubricant Compliance

• Conduct chemical analysis (GC, FTIR) to verify FIA compliance of fuels and lubricants.
• Maintain chain-of-custody records and documentation for inspections.
• Interface with FIA technical delegates and team engineers during race weekends.
• Implement corrective actions and escalate significant compliance risks.

Trackside Fuel Lifecycle Management

• Oversee fuel delivery, storage, sampling, and usage at events.
• Maintain contamination prevention protocols and batch traceability.
• Manage inventory and coordinate return freight of unused fluids.

Reliability Monitoring

• Use advanced analytical techniques (e.g., RDE-OES) to analyse wear metals, additive depletion, and contamination across lubricant products.
• Provide real-time data to race engineers and reliability teams.
• Identify early signs of component degradation and fluid breakdown.

Trackside Laboratory Operations

• Build, commission, and operate the mobile fluid lab at events.
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair analytical instruments.
• Manage lab consumables and spare parts across the race calendar.
• Deliver concise, technically robust feedback to support race decisions.

Ad-hoc Technical Support

• Respond to fluid-related technical queries (e.g., leak identification).
• Liaise with global R&D centres to enhance team reliability and performance.

Partner & Public Engagement

• Represent technical expertise to FIA officials, partners, and VIP guests.
• Contribute to technical briefings and uphold Aramco’s reputation for innovation.

Key Tasks

• Plan and travel to up to 70% of F1 events, managing visas and logistics in coordination with the team.
• Verify product delivery and inventory on arrival; oversee secure storage and handling of race fluids.
• Build, commission, and operate the mobile laboratory in the paddock or garage.
• Conduct fuel sampling and GC analysis to ensure FIA compliance; manage fuel release procedures post-QC.
• Monitor fuel throughout the event for contamination risks and regulatory adherence.
• Interface with FIA officials to complete race event protocols.
• Confirm lubricant conformity to FIA homologation using FTIR analysis.
• Sample and analyse used fluids from engine, gearbox, and hydraulic systems to assess component health.
• Manage data storage, reporting, and trend analysis; communicate findings to reliability engineers.
• Track lab consumables and coordinate race freight needs with the logistics planner.
• Oversee return freight of fluids and mobile lab equipment post-event.
• Maintain and service lab equipment throughout the season, including ad-hoc repairs.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

External Contacts:

• Regular contact with the following companies and counterparts:
• Valvoline Global, Aston Martin Race Team, Honda Racing Corporation
• FIA technical delegates, external companies, freight forwarding partners, suppliers
• Occasional contact with the following counterparts:
• Toll blenders (fuels and lubricants), VIP guests and senior race team leaders within Aston Martin Race Team

Internal Contacts:

• Regular contact with Aramco F1 Technology R&D team, F1 Lead Logistics Planner, trackside staff.
• Frequent contact with line management within Aramco Group.
• Occasional contact with Aramco Europe support functions (Finance, Law, IT, HR, Procurement, etc.) and senior leaders within the Aramco Group

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or engineering, or equivalent experience in fuels/lubricants (ideally with F1 exposure).

Experience:

• 8+ years in specialist fuels, lubricants, motorsports, or analytical roles.
• Experience working trackside in Formula One™ is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage projects independently and mentor junior colleagues.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced understanding of fuel/lubricant chemistry and FIA regulations.
• Proficiency in GC, FTIR, viscosity measurement, and contamination control.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills (Excel, statistical tools).
• Experience with fuel lifecycle management and lab equipment maintenance.
• Ability to interpret technical data and support operational decisions.
• High attention to detail and ability to work under race event time constraints.