Research and Development (Chemical) Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

NOV's Fluid Motion Solutions (FMS) is seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer with strong expertise in fluid mixing and process applications to support our R&D and New Product Development (NPD) in Houston, Texas. The FMS business segment designs and manufactures agitators for blending and homogenizing fluids across several industrial processes such as chemical production, waste-water treatment, fermentation, food & beverage manufacturing etc. We are dedicated to delivering high-performance, reliable and efficient fluid mixing technologies and helping our customers optimize their processes to achieve operational goals.

This role focuses on application-driven research, CFD modelling, and experimental validation, translating complex process requirements into robust and efficient agitator designs. Some of the core industries we serve include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water & wastewater, mining & mineral processing etc. The R&D and New Product Development (NPD) team is a centre of competency responsible for researching and developing new technologies to reduce cost, complexity and improve product performance. The ideal candidate will be responsible for testing existing technologies for new markets or modifying existing product-lines to meet customer requirements and coming up with new concepts for developing new technologies. Our core product brands include ChemineerTM rotating mixers, KenicsTM static mixers and heat exchangers, GreercoTM high shear mixers and ProchemTM belt driven mixers.

This position will play a key role in strengthening NOV's technical differentiation, product innovation, and application knowledge base.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Application Research & Analysis

• Conduct literature reviews and desk studies on industrial mixing applications
• Develop expertise in scale-up and scale-down
• Manage R&D/NPD projects from concept through testing and completion
• Technical report writing and conference presentation

Experimental Testing & Validation

• Design and execute lab and pilot-scale experiments
• Conduct rheology measurements and mixing performance tests
• Analyze data to improve design accuracy and reduce iteration cycles
• Prototype and evaluate new impeller technologies

Product Development & Innovation

• Improve existing agitator and impeller designs
• Develop new solutions for complex and emerging applications
• Support innovation in energy transition and advanced process applications
• Reduce customer operating costs through better designs
• Identify opportunities for:
  • Energy efficiency
  • Cost reduction
  • Performance optimization

CFD Simulation & Modelling

• Perform 3D simulations using ANSYS Fluent and Siemens Star-CCM & M-Star
• Model multiphase systems using realistic fluid properties
• Validate simulations with experimental data

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:
  • Sales & Application Engineering
  • Mechanical Design Engineering
  • Manufacturing teams
• Provide application-specific technical support for customer projects

Domestic and international travel may be required

QUALIFICATIONS, IMPACT & EXPECTATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering (required)
• Master's or PhD preferred

Experience

• 5-7 years in:
  • Mixing technology / process engineering
  • R&D or product development
• Experience in at least one:
  • Fermentation / bioprocessing
  • Chemical processing
  • Slurry / multiphase systems

Technical Skills

• Strong foundation in:
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Heat & mass transfer
  • Thermodynamics
• Expertise in:
  • Mixing theory and scale-up
  • Rheology (Newtonian & non-Newtonian fluids)
• Hands-on experience and familiarity with:
  • CFD tools
  • Experimental design and data analysis
  • Agitators, impellers, rotating equipment

Core Competencies

• Analytical problem-solving
• Translating theory into practical solutions
• Technical communication and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Ownership and execution focus

A successful candidate will:

• Combine strong theoretical foundation with hands-on testing
• Be comfortable working across simulation, lab, and field applications
• Demonstrate ownership of complex technical problems
• Deliver practical, implementable engineering solutions

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS : (visit usbenefits.nov.com for more information about our benefits offerings)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan - NOV matches every dollar up to 5% of base pay and overtime for every dollar you invest.
• Competitive medical plans that are effective your date of hire. Visit usbenefits.nov.com/cost-for-coverage for more information.
• FREE MDLIVE virtual visits (when enrolled in an NOV medical plan).
• FREE preventative medical and dental care for the entire family (when enrolled in an NOV medical/dental plan and seeing an in-network physician).
• FREE Basic Life and AD&D insurance at 2 times your annual salary (for full-time employees)
• All regular full-time employees start with 3 weeks of paid vacation per year (prorated based on start date). Pre-NOV relevant experience (years of service) may be considered for vacation accruals
• All regular full-time employees receive up to 11 paid holidays per year