Kuldeep Mistry,
Research Scientist (Tribologist), Chevron Oronite Company (2024 -)
Lubricant Formulator, Chevron Lubricants U.S.A. (2022 - 23)
What is your role at your organization?
As a Tribologist within Chevron Oronite – Chemistry Development and Fundamentals team, my responsibilities include directing and developing tribology testing as well as leading tribology research from exploratory ideas to concept confirmation for lubricants applications. I work closely with other team members and stakeholders to develop lubricant additive technologies by simulating real-world conditions and using fundamental research to solve lubrication problems and recommend new chemistry or additives.
As a (Fundamental) Lubricant Formulator (2022-23) within Chevron Lubricants Product and Technology - Commercial Sector, my responsibilities were delivering results by designing new test methods
and conducting performance tests for new finished lubricants. I built the relationship externally and internally with team members, chemists, engineers, formulators, IP experts, and business functions, with effective communication. I developed a research strategy, manage multiple projects, create intellectual property through publications.
Chevron offers a wide range of career opportunities across various fields, including engineering, geology, finance, marketing, and human resources, among others. The common reasons that excite employees to work at Chevron are:
- Innovation
- Career development opportunities
- Collaborative work environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Global reach
What products or services does your organization provide?
Chevron is an integrated oil and gas multi-national corporation with presence in 180 countries. Chevron owns five U.S. fuel refineries and has a network of Chevron and Texaco service stations. Chevron runs California's two largest oil refineries. The products and services Chevron provides are:
Chevron Oronite is a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, known for its development and manufacturing of quality additives that enhance the performance of lubricants and fuels. Their products are used in various equipment types, including drivelines, hydraulic components, and engines. With a global presence, Oronite innovates and sells products worldwide, collaborating with industry associations to meet customer needs. They have a comprehensive product portfolio of hundreds of components and additive packages, focusing on maximizing reliability, efficiency, and lifespan of engines.
Chevron's products include:
Refined products (Gasoline, diesel, marine and aviation fuels, premium base oil, finished lubricants, and fuel oil additives) Crude oil and natural gas (Chevron produced 1.76 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day (2022) in the United States) Transportation fuels (Manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives) Technologies (Develops technologies to improve their business and the industry)
Chevron's services include:
- Marketing and retail
- Hydrocarbon exploration
- Refining
- Transport
- Chemicals manufacturing and sales
- Power generation
- Storage
- Pipeline transportation
- Distribution
Learn more at https://www.oronite.com/ and https://www.chevronlubricants.com/
How long have you been a member of STLE?
In 2024, 16 years member of STLE (joined on 2008) and active for 14 years (session chairs and led joint session organization - nano-tribology and Lubrication Fundamentals in 2010).
How has STLE helped you throughout your career?
I am very grateful to STLE for several opportunities it has provided me in my career.
1. Knowledge and Innovation: By joining STLE, I gained access to a vast network of professionals, researchers, and academics at the forefront of tribology and lubrication engineering.
2. Collaborative Partnerships: I connected with experts from various industries and disciplines, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. These connections can lead to remarkable projects and initiatives that solve complex challenges.
3. Professional Development: As a member, I got access to career development programs, mentoring opportunities, and industry-leading certifications.
4. Impactful Research: I was able to contribute to research projects and collaborate on scientific studies that have real-world applications.
5. Global Influence: I became part of an influential network with the power to shape industry standards and practices on an international scale. Thus, we can contribute to the development of guidelines and regulations that enhance the efficiency and reliability of machinery across diverse sectors, from manufacturing to renewable energy.
6. Community Engagement: I got the opportunity to make a difference beyond your professional sphere being STLE Canton Section Chairperson, leading local STEM activities and leading projects at STLE-HQ as a Board of Directors.
In summary, after I joined STLE, it opened doors to a world of knowledge, collaboration, and impact. Through access to cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships, professional development opportunities, impactful research projects, global influence, and community engagement, STLE empowered me to make a tangible difference in the field of tribology.
Join STLE today or get more involved with STLE from today and embark on a journey of growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Together, we can create a future where machines run more efficiently, where energy is conserved, and where sustainability is at the forefront of our endeavors.
What is the greatest benefit you get from your STLE Membership?
Top four benefits:
1. STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition - Meetings & Conferences - CONNECT
2. Technical Committees - Networking - CONNECT
3. STLE Emerging Issues and Trends Report - Publications and Technical Journals - LEARN
4. Webinars - STLE Education - LEARN
Also, I highly value other LEARN-ing opportunities.
Publications and Technical Journals
• TLT Magazine
• Tribology Letters
• Tribology Online
• Tribology Transactions
What would you say to others looking to get involved with STLE?
For tribology or lubrication students, engineers and researchers, I highly recommend getting involved with STLE because of the excellent value it offers. More than half of new positions are found through networking; I truly believe networking should begin long before you start a job search. Networking is an ongoing process of communicating with others for ideas, information, interests and career goals. STLE is a great platform for networking through local section meetings, annual meetings, committee meetings, volunteering opportunities, etc. STLE’s platform can build your network and assist your career by giving you opportunities to stay in contact with your peers for the respectful and mutual exchange of ideas.
I have enjoyed my STLE experience. STLE is where I met many friends, developed my professional network, heard about job opportunities and learned new things along the way. For 75 years STLE has been a great organization built on the foundation of excellent volunteers. I encourage everyone to get involved at whatever level, topic or interest.
Connect with Kuldeep at kuldeep.mistry@chevron.com.