Director of New Technology

Babcock & Wilcox; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Babcock & Wilcox in Akron, OH seeks a Director of New Technology to lead a small team and identify breakthrough technologies for the company’s future portfolio. The role evaluates concepts from startups, national labs, and universities for viability and commercial potential.

You will perform techno-economic assessments, guide investment discussions, and mentor engineers while reporting to the CTO. A strong background in chemical or mechanical engineering, excellent analytical skills, and clear

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with 20+ years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and leadership abilities.
• Outstanding oral and written communications to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new technologies for future B&W portfolio.
• Lead a small team to conduct techno-economic assessments.
• Assess commercial readiness of technologies developed with partners and labs.
• Prepare reports and present findings to CTO and senior leadership.
• Drive technology acquisition and development discussions and strategy.
• Mentor and train staff across the organization.
• Represent B&W in industry discussions and sustain engagement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

For 160 years, Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) has been driven by a belief that there is always a better way, turning curiosity and innovation into practical solutions that safely power utilities and industries around the world. Built on a legacy of engineering excellence and strengthened by generations of dedicated employees, we continue to earn trust by delivering value with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is right. As we evolve across technologies and global markets, our focus remains the same: engineering a better way and transforming our world for the future.

The Director of New Technology functions as a senior-level technical specialist and manager of a small group who have the charter of identifying new technologies for B&W’s future portfolio growth. The individual is recognized both internally and externally as an expert within their field. The Director of New Technology will actively scout emerging concepts, critically evaluate technology fundamentals while relying on an experience base with a wide range of products and processes utilized in multiple industries. They (or their small team under their direction) will perform fundamental techno-economic assessments and commercial readiness evaluation of developing technologies that are being studied by start-ups, National Labs, the US Department of Energy, leading research Universities, or other domestic and global organizations.

They will be required to perform fundamental technology evaluations of processes while relying on a strong experience base of complex technical principles and proven analysis techniques (i.e., side by side technology/process/product energy and exergy analysis). This fundamental review will be important to discern system limitations that could limit future commercial success. In short, in conjunction with the CTO, this role will help to identify the next generation of technology for B&W on an on-going basis to keep B&W well positioned in the future in the fast changing global energy space.

DUTIES

• A demonstrated ability to understand the global energy market and to use that understanding to quickly grasp new technology concepts and conduct critical evaluations for technical and economical viability using state-of-the-art tools is crucial to this role.
• Investment in new technologies may include M&A, partnering, or self-development. Supporting this planning, the Director of New Technology will assemble reports and case studies for these entrepreneurial opportunity reviews. This role will skillfully include and discern key market implications such as regulatory impacts relying on a solid understanding of economics. They will be required to perform fundamental technology evaluations of processes while relying on a strong experience base of complex technical principles and proven analysis techniques (i.e., side by side technology/process/product energy and exergy analysis).
• A work history with technology development is preferred. Skills developed should support the ability to drive investment and research programs that are 5+ years beyond current day needs.
• Drives future technology acquisition and/or development discussions and strategy development.
• Contributes input on product and technical strategy within the organization.
• Assumes role of subject matter expert in one or more products/disciplines and has the skills to lead other subject matter experts in this role.
• Interacts with the industry and is respected in industry circles.
• Leads or participates in discussions on technical strategy/guarantee risk for complex projects.
• Actively mentors/trains all levels of the organization within their area of expertise.
• Authors and presents significant, complex technical reports/papers.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with minimum 20 years of relevant experience required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to balance project assignments, manage daily tasks, and prioritize work to complete within deadlines.
• Strong team player that coordinates with cross functional teams such as Engineering, Supply Chain, Technicians, Marketing, and Sales.
• Ability to foster trust and utilize influence to achieve goals.
• Enjoys a fast-paced environment focused on the future growth of the company.
• Thrives in a dynamic work environment with variable technical focus and daily activities is desired.
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills and the ability to present to senior leadership is critical to this role.