Senior Materials Scientist

Flowserve Corporation•Kalamazoo, MI

23h

About The Position

Flowserve is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead the development of next-generation materials that improve the performance, reliability, and durability of mechanical seals and rotating equipment. This newly created role is a strategic investment in building an advanced materials capability within Flowserve. As the technical expert in tribology and seal-face materials, the role drives innovation across advanced ceramics, coatings, carbon materials, composites, and surface engineering technologies. The work directly influences product reliability, extends equipment life, and addresses wear- and friction-related challenges. The position is highly hands-on and laboratory focused. Regular onsite presence is preferred to support testing, research, analysis, and collaboration activities. Preferred locations are Kalamazoo, Michigan; Temecula, California; and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
10 or more years of industrial experience in materials research and development, advanced materials engineering, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience developing and advancing material systems, formulations, or material technologies in a commercial environment.
Strong expertise in tribology, including friction, wear, lubrication behavior, contact mechanics, and degradation mechanisms.
Experience with advanced ceramics, coatings, carbon materials, composites, polymers, metals, or other performance-critical material systems.
Experience designing and interpreting tribology, material characterization, validation, and performance testing.
Experience conducting failure analysis and structured root-cause investigations for material or product performance issues.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional global organization.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
Experience supporting mechanical seals, pumps, compressors, bearings, mixers, or other rotating equipment applications.
Expertise in advanced ceramics development, processing, and characterization.
Experience with surface engineering technologies, wear-resistant coatings, and material performance enhancement solutions.
Experience working with universities, research institutions, or externally sponsored research programs.
Patent, publication, invention disclosure, or technical thought leadership experience.
Experience with silicon carbide, carbon materials, composites, graphene-based technologies, or advanced seal-face materials.

Responsibilities

Lead research and development of advanced materials, coatings, and surface-engineered solutions for mechanical seal and rotating equipment applications.
Develop material systems that improve seal-face performance, wear resistance, dry-running capability, and product durability.
Design and execute tribology, material characterization, and validation testing to evaluate friction, wear, lubrication behavior, and thermal performance.
Investigate laboratory, manufacturing, and field failures to identify degradation mechanisms and recommend corrective actions.
Apply advanced characterization techniques, including optical microscopy, electron microscopy, hardness testing, profilometry, and surface analysis methods.
Partner with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to optimize material selection, processing methods, and product performance.
Collaborate with universities, research organizations, laboratories, and technology partners to accelerate material innovation and development.
Serve as the technical authority for tribology and advanced seal-face materials, advising engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams.