Bonus Content for STLE Members
20 Minutes With Troy Muransky
By Nicole Gleeson, Editorial Coordinator | TLT 20 Minutes May 2026
This automotive materials engineer discusses electric vehicle drivetrain development and the importance of mentorship.
Troy Muransky - The Quick File
Troy Muransky is currently lead organic materials engineering at American Axle and Manufacturing. He received his bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of Michigan and bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Wayne State University. His almost 20 years in the automotive industry includes various roles in materials, process and environmental engineering, as well as analytical chemistry, quality and laboratory management. Muransky’s technical expertise is in lubricants, surface treatments and coatings with focus on proper material selection, testing, troubleshooting and launch support for driveline applications. He currently serves as the chairman and ASTM D7452 (L-42) reviewer for the Lubricant Review Institute (LRI) SAE J2360 Gear Oil approval committee. He is also a certified master scuba diver and jiujitsu instructor.
Troy Muransky
TLT: How long have you worked in a lubrication-related field, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the lubricants industry?
Muransky: I’ve had 18 total years in the auto industry, 12 of those years specifically as a material engineer focused on driveline lubrication.
TLT: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment throughout your career in the lubricants industry?
Muransky: My most rewarding accomplishment was being selected as chairman of the LRI Committee for SAE J2360 approvals or giving the keynote presentation at the 2023 STLE Tribology & Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference.
TLT: What is the No. 1 piece of advice you would give to a person who might be interested in starting a career in the lubricants industry?
Muransky: Don’t be afraid to dive in and reach out to all the experts in the industry who will be happy to mentor you and guide you through your career.
TLT: Throughout the different segments within your career, which one has been the most interesting, challenging and/or rewarding?
Muransky: Definitely the most challenging has been the current state of electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain development and understanding all of the needs and challenges that these new systems have for lubricants. There are so many new considerations, most of which we do not completely understand nor have a way to evaluate.
TLT: What are some of the most technical lubrication-based concepts or topics that you have encountered throughout your career?
Muransky: One concept I’ve encountered is the development of EV fluids used in drivetrain systems, especially in the area of entrained/dissolved air. Key considerations include how it is generated, what the actual amount is, how I can correlate it back to a bench test, what impact does it have on the fluid long term and what is the impact on cooling and lubrication of the system.
TLT: What is the one thing you wish you would have learned earlier in your career?
Muransky: I wish I would have realized how valuable a mentor is earlier in my career, especially with an industry full of experts typically happy to mentor and share knowledge with you.
You can reach Troy Muransky at Troy.Muransky@aam.com.