Job Title: Leader, Heat Transfer Technology & R&D
Location: Houston, Texas
Company Overview:
Metalforms Heat Transfer is a full-service partner specializing in the design, fabrication, testing, and maintenance of heat exchangers and related process equipment. As a division of Metalforms, we are committed to delivering products and services that provide exceptional value – helping our customers conserve resources, improve environmental quality, increase production, reduce downtime, and support the development of new technologies.
Metalforms has earned its reputation as one of the leading providers of heat transfer solutions along the Gulf Coast Region by offering a wide range of services tailored to meet the evolving needs of industrial clients. Our expertise spans across standard and specialized proprietary equipment for refineries, chemical companies, and industrial facilities worldwide.
We proudly own and supply trusted brands including BROWN FINTUBE®, TWISTED TUBE®, ALCO®, and BOS-HATTEN®, which are recognized globally for their performance and reliability.
Recently acquired by the TransTech Group, Metalforms is now part of a broader network of custom-engineered and fabricated solutions for liquid and gas processing, storage, transfer, and utilization. TransTech serves a wide array of industries including energy, petrochemical, specialty chemical, renewables, biofuels, and other industrial process sectors—enhancing our capabilities and reach.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an exceptional technical leader to serve as our Leader, Heat Transfer Technology & R&D. This position will provide strategic and technical leadership across our heat transfer business, serving as the company's principal authority on heat transfer technologies, product performance, troubleshooting, innovation, and technology development.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future technical direction of a growing organization by building internal technical capability, leading innovation initiatives, and advancing next-generation heat transfer solutions.
The successful candidate will work closely with commercial, engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership teams to solve complex customer challenges, drive technology advancement, and strengthen our position as an industry leader.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership
- Serve as the company's leading subject matter expert in heat transfer technologies and applications.
- Provide technical leadership for complex customer opportunities, critical projects, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Establish engineering best practices, technical standards, and design methodologies.
Technology Development & Innovation
- Lead the evaluation, development, and implementation of advanced heat transfer technologies.
- Drive product improvement initiatives focused on performance, reliability, efficiency, and customer value.
- Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities that strengthen competitive advantage.
- Support intellectual property development, including patents and proprietary technologies.
Research & Development
- Establish and lead the company's heat transfer R&D activities.
- Develop technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives and customer needs.
- Lead research initiatives focused on innovation, product development, and technology differentiation.
Talent Development
- Lead technical training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Build long-term organizational capability in thermal engineering and heat transfer technology.
Industry Leadership
- Represent the company through technical publications, conference presentations, and industry forums.
- Strengthen the company's reputation as a recognized leader in heat transfer technology.
- Build relationships with customers, industry organizations, and technology partners.
Competencies:
Required
- Demonstrated expertise in the thermal design, rating, optimization, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation of heat exchangers.
- Advanced working knowledge of shell-and-tube, hairpin, and other heat transfer equipment.
- Expert-level proficiency with HTRI software, including thermal design, rating, performance analysis, and troubleshooting applications.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, fluid flow, fouling mechanisms, vibration analysis, and exchanger performance optimization.
- Experience supporting customer-facing technical and commercial activities.
- Proven leadership, mentoring, and technical team development experience.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and technical writing skills.
Preferred
- Experience leading technology development, innovation, or R&D programs.
- Industry publications, patents, conference presentations, or recognized technical contributions.
- Experience with thermal design, simulation, and process modeling tools.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in heat transfer, and thermal engineering.
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline (Preferred)
Benefits Designed to Work for You:
- Free HSA health plan or traditional PPO
- 401(k) with generous company match (Safe Harbor)
- Dental, vision, and optional coverage like accident & critical illness insurance
- HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare costs
- Company-paid Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance
- Confidential support for mental health, family matters, legal concerns, and more through our Employee Assistance Program
- Discounts on gyms, shopping & entertainment
- Health benefits kick in fast – first of the month after 30 days
- Time Off We offer a variety of paid time-off options to support rest, wellness, and personal needs:
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Bereavement Leave
Job Type: Full-time
This organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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