- Senior
- Office in Kalamazoo
Role Summary
We are seeking a technically strong and innovation-driven specialist to lead the exploration, prototyping, and validation of advanced technologies in pumps, valves, mechanical seals, and related flow control solutions. This role requires a techno-commercial mindset to transform new ideas into feasible, high-impact solutions that address target customer needs. The Innovation Specialist will play a hands-on role in design, testing, and proof-of-concept development while also contributing to business case evaluations and strategic growth initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Innovation & Design
- Drive the generation of new designs, methods, and solutions for pump, valve, and seal applications and adjacent technologies.
- Apply design-thinking and structured innovation frameworks to explore new concepts grounded in customer needs.
- Collaborate with engineering and product teams to proactively identify patentable inventions, trade secrets, and other intellectual property generated during the innovation process.
- Prototyping & Testing
- Develop prototypes, models, and proof-of-concepts for validation with internal teams and customers.
- Plan, execute, and oversee physical and simulation-based tests to evaluate feasibility, performance, and reliability.
- Apply design of experiments (DoE), root cause analysis, and risk evaluation to ensure robust outcomes.
- Techno-Commercial Assessment
- Conduct feasibility assessments that balance technical performance with cost, manufacturability, and commercial impact.
- Support business case development through technical validation, competitive benchmarking, and risk/benefit analysis.
- Work closely with Product management team to demonstrate the unique value proposition and sharpen the business case through pilot or proof of value (POV) efforts.
- Execute a strategic "Build, Buy, or Partner" approach to accelerate technology development and deployment, making data-driven decisions on whether to develop technology internally, acquire it, or form a strategic partnership.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing
- Partner with engineering, product management, and strategy teams to align innovation with business objectives.
- Share expertise across teams through technical reports, coaching, and training sessions.
- Author and present technical papers at industry forums, enhancing credibility and visibility.
- Technology Scanning & Continuous Learning
- Monitor market and technology trends to identify future opportunities for innovation.
- Maintain expertise in mechanical engineering principles and key innovation areas such as additive manufacturing, advanced materials, coatings, and digital tools.
- Represent Flowserve in innovation forums driving technical engagement and interaction with industry leaders, partners, and competitors.
Requirements:
- A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or a related field is required.
- Minimum 10 years in R&D, product innovation, or applied engineering, preferably in pumps, valves, mechanical seals, or rotating equipment.
- Candidates must demonstrate capabilities in one or more critical technology domains including:
- Fluid Dynamics: Expertise in fluid mechanics, CFD, and understanding of fluid behavior in pump and seal applications.
- Mechatronics: Knowledge of control systems, sensors, actuators, and the integration of mechanical and electrical systems for smart solutions.
- Thermal Management: Experience with heat transfer principles, thermal modeling, and system design for heat dissipation and control.
- Materials Science: Understanding of material properties, selection, and performance characteristics in challenging environments.
- Proven track record of advancing ideas from customer need through prototyping and validation.
- Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD and interpretation of detailed engineering drawings.
- Strong foundation in testing methodologies, simulation tools, and experimental design.
- Knowledge of risk assessment, compliance standards, and calculation methods.
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
- Effective communicator able to present complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to balance technical rigor with an understanding of business value.
Preferred Skills / Experience
- Advanced Degree (Master/PHD) in Engineering
Benefits Starting on Day 1:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (including FSA and HSA options)
- Life Insurance + Supplemental Life, Child, Spousal, and AD&D Insurance
- Short and Long Term Disability
- Retirement Planning, 401(k) plan, & Financial Wellness Resources
- Educational Assistance Program
- Time off Policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and paid vacation)
- Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment
