Lab Technical Excellence Specialist

Texas, United States of America

Job Family Group:

Research and Development

Worker Type:

Regular

Posting Start Date:

October 8, 2026

Business Unit:

Downstream and Renewables

Experience Level:

Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What’s the role

 

Shell is seeking Laboratory Technical Excellence Specialist (also known internally as Operational Technical Excellence Specialist) to join its team in Houston, TX.

 

The Operational Technical Excellence Specialist - Methods, Documentation, and Continuous Improvement is a newly established role within the Shell Technology Center Houston (STCH) Mobility and Lubricants Operations Team that supports technical innovation, ASTM method governance, SOP standardization, and applied research across the laboratory organization.

 

This role will serve as a key authority responsible for improving internal methodologies, enhancing documentation quality, and developing new processes and procedures.

This team supports a broad portfolio of fuels and lubricants technologies, including the deployment of global brands such as Pennzoil, Rotella, Helix, and V-Power, as well as the advancement of emerging solutions in electrification, decarbonization, and next-generation mobility.

 

Sustaining operational excellence and driving innovation within laboratory operations are essential to maintaining a competitive advantage and ensuring high-quality, standardized, and compliant delivery. The Operations Technical Excellence Specialist will serve as a key link between Operations, Quality, and Technology by leading ASTM method stewardship, strengthening SOP/WI governance, and developing effective continuous improvement pathways. This role ensures that laboratory practices remain current, efficient, and aligned with industry standards while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Accountabilities:

 

Technical Standards & Documentation Governance

• Lead development, review, and continuous improvement of SOPs and Work Instructions
• Ensure alignment with ASTM standards, internal policies, and quality system requirements
• Standardize documentation practices across teams to improve consistency and clarity
• Support audit readiness through strong documentation control and governance

 

ASTM Methods & Technical Stewardship

• Serve as subject matter expert on ASTM methods relevant to laboratory operations
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and improvement opportunities in current methods
• Support implementation and integration of new or updated ASTM standards
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure best practices are applied

Applied Research & Innovation

• Conduct targeted research to improve existing methods and develop new technical approaches
• Evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies for operational applicability
• Translate research into practical improvements for laboratory workflows

 

Innovation Solutions

• Identify opportunities for novel processes, methods, or procedural enhancements
• Collaborate with technical and legal teams to advance intellectual property initiatives

 

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies, risks, and variability in technical processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, quality, and efficiency
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for technical issues
• Partner with SMEs on digitalization, automation, and workflow improvement efforts

 

Capability Development & Knowledge Management

• Provide technical guidance to teams on methods, standards, and documentation practices
• Strengthen knowledge management through structured documentation and best practices
• Develop and apply training initiatives related to technical standards and procedural improvements

What you bring

• Must have legal authorization to work in the US on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline required
• At least 8 or more years of relevant experience in laboratory or technical roles
• Experience with ASTM, documentation governance, and/or process improvement required
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, ASTM methods, and quality systems
• Demonstrated experience in SOP/WI development and technical documentation governance
• Experience with process improvement methodologies and applied research practices
• Familiarity with LIMS/Sample Manager, data analysis tools, and laboratory systems
• Proven ability to identify and develop process improvements and technical solutions
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to translate research into practical outcomes

What we offer

The base salary range for this position is $103,000 - $155,000 per year.  Individual pay will be based on various factors, such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skill level, seniority, and internal equity.

 

For regular full-time or regular part-time employees of the Company (participating companies as listed in the Summary Plan Description), insurance coverage options include medical, dental, vision coverage, life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs. Employees also participate in a company pension plan and a 401(k) plan. Paid leave includes up to 6 weeks of paid vacation time, up to 11 paid holidays, and parental leave offering 16 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents, and 8 weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents.

 

Additionally, employees are eligible for short-term disability leave for up to 26 weeks at 100% or 50% of base pay as well as Long-Term Disability insurance. Shell also offers other compensation such financial reimbursement for adoption, wellness, education, and personal learning expenses, and some roles are eligible for discretionary long-term incentives.  For interns, eligible benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs; participation in a 401(k) plan; and paid leave for up to 11 paid holidays.  Additional information on Shell’s US benefit programs can be found at https://www.shell.us/careers/about-careers-at-shell/rewards-and-benefits.html.

 

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together
• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead
• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices
• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise
• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself
• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working
• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents
• Join an organization working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply
• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams
• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programs

 

We'd like you to know that Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies. You can get to know more about how we're working towards that goal, click here.

 

 

Shell in The United States

 

With more than 11,000 employees, Shell has been in the US for more than 100 years and is delivering secure energy supplies across America.

 

From producing a reliable supply of oil and gas in the US Gulf of America to biofuels, our retail sites and EV charging network, to marketing and trading electricity generated by gas plants, solar and wind power, we are one of the few countries where every Shell business is represented.

 

We are working with our customers to deliver the energy the world needs today and building the energy systems of tomorrow, all while creating value for society and shareholders.

 

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