Technician, Blending in Reading

Technician, Blending in Reading

Reading Full-Time 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
BP Energy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to conduct large-scale blending operations and ensure high-quality production.
  • Company: Be part of Castrol's innovative Product Development team at Pangbourne Technology Centre.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, modern office spaces, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced lab environment while collaborating with a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in labs or manufacturing, strong organisational skills, and a passion for teamwork.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

Location: Pangbourne Technology Centre

About the Role

Castrol’s Product Development team is looking for a hands‑on, detail‑driven Blending Technician to support large‑scale blending operations across engine oils, thermal fluids and motorsport products. This is a fully operational role within a high‑performing team responsible for producing high‑quality blends that directly support Castrol’s global R&D programmes. You’ll work in a fast‑paced laboratory and pilot‑scale environment, handling materials, operating blending equipment, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring safe, reliable operations every day. This role is ideal for someone with laboratory, manufacturing, warehouse, or stock‑control experience who enjoys practical work, problem‑solving, and working collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct large‑scale blending operations (18kg–510kg) following established procedures, ensuring timely, high‑quality, and safe delivery.
  • Perform quality control testing on completed blends and investigate any blending discrepancies.
  • Carry out equipment calibration and routine maintenance.
  • Report, document, and follow up on safety or quality near misses.
  • Manage raw material storage both digitally and physically, maintaining accurate stock levels and communicating with the Blending Supervisor.
  • Support training of new starters and visitors on blending processes and equipment.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping, restock consumables, and contribute to the smooth running of the Blend Shop.
  • Work closely with the Blending Team Leader, Blending Supervisor, and development technologists to ensure best laboratory practices and compliance with HSSE requirements.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement, efficiency gains, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Support compliance with external quality accreditations.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
  • Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
  • Confident communication skills with a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Laboratory experience including:
  • Accurate working and high attention to detail
  • Stock/inventory control
  • Safe working practices
  • Good digital literacy, including Microsoft applications.
  • English fluency, written and oral.
  • Comfortable with manual handling, including frequent lifting of 20L drums (~18kg).
  • Desirable Experience

    • Basic understanding of lubricant or engine oil products, their composition, manufacture, or application.
    • Experience with engine oil blending or small‑scale manufacturing.
    • Forklift truck licence or experience operating forklifts.

    About the Team

    Pangbourne’s Blending team is a high‑functioning, supportive, and collaborative group working at the heart of Castrol’s R&D operations. The team supports a wide range of technologies and projects across:

    • Passenger car engine oils
    • Motorcycle lubricants
    • Heavy‑duty and marine applications
    • Electric vehicle fluids
    • High‑performance motorsport programmes including Formula 1, MotoGP, and World Rally

    We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to grow. You’ll have opportunities to develop new skills, take on additional responsibilities, and progress within the team.

    Why join our team?

    We support our people to learn and grow in a diverse and challenging environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to crafting an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected and treated fairly. There are many aspects of our employees’ lives that are meaningful, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits can include flexible working options, collaboration spaces in a modern office environment, and many others benefits!

    Apply now!

    Travel Requirement

    No travel is expected with this role

    Relocation Assistance:

    This role is not eligible for relocation

    Remote Type:

    This position is not available for remote working

    Skills:

    • Hazard communication
    • Hazard Identification
    • Instrument maintenance
    • Laboratory Operations
    • Personal Safety
    • Safety Leadership

    Technician, Blending in Reading employer: BP Energy

    At Castrol's Pangbourne Technology Centre, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Blending Technician, you'll be part of a high-performing team dedicated to innovation in engine oils and lubricants, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. We offer flexible working options and a supportive environment that values diversity, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects.
    BP Energy

    Contact Detail:

    BP Energy Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Technician, Blending in Reading

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know the company! Research Castrol and its products, especially in blending operations. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves practical work, be ready to demonstrate your skills in blending operations or quality control testing. Practice makes perfect, so get familiar with the equipment and processes.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Castrol. Don’t miss out!

    We think you need these skills to ace Technician, Blending in Reading

    Blending Operations
    Quality Control Testing
    Equipment Calibration
    Safety Reporting
    Stock/Inventory Control
    Laboratory Experience
    Attention to Detail
    Digital Literacy
    Communication Skills
    Organisational Skills
    Time-Management Skills
    Manual Handling
    Understanding of Lubricant Products
    Forklift Operation

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Hands-On Experience: When applying, make sure to highlight any practical experience you have in laboratory or manufacturing settings. We want to see how your skills align with the blending operations we carry out at Castrol.

    Be Detail-Oriented: Since this role requires a high attention to detail, don’t shy away from showcasing your organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate records. We love candidates who can demonstrate their meticulous nature!

    Communicate Clearly: Strong communication is key in our collaborative environment. Use your application to show us how you’ve effectively communicated with diverse teams or stakeholders in the past. We’re all about teamwork here!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!

    How to prepare for a job interview at BP Energy

    ✨Know Your Blending Basics

    Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of blending processes and the types of products you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with engine oils and their compositions, as well as any relevant safety practices. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.

    ✨Showcase Your Team Spirit

    Since this role involves working closely with a collaborative team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in teamwork. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to a team environment, especially in high-pressure situations, to demonstrate your ability to fit into their supportive culture.

    ✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail

    As a Blending Technician, accuracy is key. Be ready to talk about times when your attention to detail made a difference in your work. Whether it was maintaining records or performing quality control tests, showcasing your meticulous nature will resonate well with the interviewers.

    ✨Ask Smart Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about the blending processes, safety protocols, and the team's continuous improvement initiatives. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you insight into the company’s values and expectations.

    Technician, Blending in Reading
    BP Energy
    Location: Reading

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