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.

• 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.
  • Write technical reports and present at conferences.
• 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, and 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, and Manufacturing teams.
  • Provide application‑specific technical support for customer projects.

Domestic and international travel may be required.

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

• 5–7 years in mixing technology/process engineering, R&D or product development.
• Experience in at least one of fermentation/bioprocessing, chemical processing, slurry/multiphase systems.

• Strong foundation in fluid mechanics, heat & mass transfer, thermodynamics.
• Expertise in mixing theory and scale‑up, rheology (Newtonian & non‑Newtonian fluids).
• Hands‑on experience with CFD tools, experimental design, data analysis, agitators, impellers, rotating equipment.

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

• 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  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 from your date of hire. Visit  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.