Innovation Technical Lead - Specialist

Company Overview:

If a culture of excellence, innovation and ownership is what you’re searching for, consider putting your experience in motion at Flowserve. As an individual contributor, or as a leader of people, your enterprise mindset will ensure Flowserve’s position as the global standard in comprehensive flow control solutions. Here, your opportunity for professional development and industry leading rewards will be supported by our foundational commitments to the values of people first, integrity and safety. Thinking beyond opportunity and reward, at Flowserve, we are inspired by working together to create extraordinary flow control solutions to make the world better for everyone!

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

Flowserve is a world-leading manufacturer and aftermarket service provider of comprehensive flow control systems. Join a company whose people are committed to building a more sustainable future to make the world better for everyone. With 16,000+ employees in 50+ countries, we combine our global reach with local presence. Our team challenges themselves to approach each situation with ingenuity and creativity to help provide our customers with the most innovative flow control products and services. We support 10,000+ customers worldwide, creating products to meet the needs of our customers who are supplying energy, fresh water, pharmaceuticals and other essentials to consumers, businesses and governments globally. We invite you to put your talents and career in motion at Flowserve.

Req ID : R-16396

Job Family Group : Engineering

Job Family : EN R&D

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans. Flowserve will also not discriminate against an applicant or employee for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing their pay or, in certain circumstances, the pay of their co-workers. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

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