Senior Materials Scientist

Flowserve Corporation

. Lead research and development of advanced materials, coatings, and surface-engineered solutions for mechanical seal and rotating equipment applications .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $90,258 - $135,497 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in advanced materials research and development, particularly in tribology and material characterization. Proven ability to lead cross-functional collaborations and optimize material systems for mechanical seal and rotating equipment applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Tribology ExpertiseMaterial CharacterizationFailure AnalysisAdvanced Materials EngineeringCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Materials Science & EngineeringTribologyMaterial Systems DevelopmentFriction AnalysisWear ResistanceSurface EngineeringOptical MicroscopyElectron MicroscopyValidation TestingRoot-Cause Investigation

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Hardness TestingProfilometrySurface Analysis Methods

Industry Keywords

Mechanical SealsRotating EquipmentAdvanced CeramicsCoatingsCarbon MaterialsCompositesPolymersMetalsSilicon CarbideGraphene-Based Technologies

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Electron

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead research and development of advanced materials, coatings, and surface-engineered solutions for mechanical seal and rotating equipment applications
Develop innovative material systems that improve seal-face performance, wear resistance, dry-running capability, and overall product durability
Design and execute tribology, material characterization, and validation testing to evaluate friction, wear, lubrication behavior, and thermal performance
Perform root-cause investigations on laboratory, manufacturing, and field failures, identifying degradation mechanisms and recommending 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, providing guidance across engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
10+ 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
Proven 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 the ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional global organization
Regular onsite presence is preferred to support testing, research, analysis, and collaboration activities
Preferred: PhD in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
Preferred: Experience supporting mechanical seals, pumps, compressors, bearings, mixers, or other rotating equipment applications
Preferred: Expertise in advanced ceramics development, processing, and characterization
Preferred: Experience with surface engineering technologies, wear-resistant coatings, and material performance enhancement solutions
Preferred: Experience working with universities, research institutions, or externally sponsored research programs
Preferred: Patent, publication, invention disclosure, or technical thought leadership experience
Preferred: Experience with silicon carbide, carbon materials, composites, graphene-based technologies, or advanced seal-face materials

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Retirement Planning & Financial Wellness Resources
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Parental Leave
Life, Supplemental Life, Child, Spousal, and AD&D Insurance