“I’ve always been a tinkerer with a passion for design and problem-solving, which naturally led me toward STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] at a young age and eventually into engineering,” said Scott Lang, 36.
Lang earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering with mechanical and electrical dual specialties from the Colorado School of Mines in 2011, and after graduation, struggled to find the design engineering role he was hoping for. He later had a friend help him get his foot in the door at Applied Flow Technology [AFT] (now part of the Datacor Engineering Software Group) in the support group. “When I first heard ‘technical support,’ I can’t say it sounded glamorous, but I quickly discovered that helping fellow engineers diagnose and understand simulations of their systems was both rewarding and intellectually stimulating. So, while I didn’t set out to work in the pumps or fluid handling industries, I quickly became captivated by the technologies, challenges and people that define them, and I’ve been here ever since,” he said.
Before getting into the industry, Lang says he wishes he would’ve known how genuine and approachable people in the industry are. “I initially expected it to be more guarded or competitive, but I’ve learned that most folks are more than willing to share their experience and help you grow—you just have to ask.”
And Lang has no shortage of people he credits with helping him grow in his career. “I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors and supporters over the years. Dylan Witte helped me get my start at AFT. Trey Walters and Jeff Olsen offered countless opportunities that shaped my career. John Rockey, in particular, opened my eyes to the world of simulation design and engineering. His enthusiasm and guidance were instrumental in setting me on my current path. And now, the wider Datacor group has been full of great people always happy to give advice and guidance.”
For those considering a career in the industry or newcomers to the workforce, Lang offers this advice: “Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ opportunity—it rarely shows up fully formed. The best roles often evolve from what you make of them. With persistence, curiosity and effort, you can turn a less-than-ideal starting point into something truly rewarding.”
What led you to specialize in this particular area within the industry?
The continual opportunities I’ve had to explore different technical areas and grow professionally really shaped my path. Early on, I worked on several projects analyzing piping systems under steady and transient flow, which became the foundation for earning my PE license. Later, I began transitioning into software development for our products—a move that deeply engaged my love of design, problem-solving and mathematics. Over time, I led increasingly complex projects, including serving as lead developer and solution engine architect for our tool that analyzes unsteady flow in real gas piping networks, xStream. As I gained experience, I also became involved in shaping team processes and strategy, eventually stepping into a team lead role and now managing the software development team. We’re currently embarking on several large-scale architectural initiatives aimed at fundamentally improving our products and enabling engineers to tackle even larger, more complex problems in the years ahead.
What aspects of working in this industry do you find most rewarding?
I enjoy the constant variety and challenge—there’s always a new technical, architectural or organizational problem to solve, and breaking down complexity into clear, practical solutions is deeply satisfying. Equally rewarding is the opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate with peers across the industry. Through my involvement with ASME PVP, the Hydraulic Institute, the Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia and the International Conference on Pressure Surges, I’ve had the privilege of giving trainings, webinars and authoring several technical publications. Those exchanges of knowledge and perspective are some of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. More recently, I’ve also found it rewarding to help members of my team grow and take on bigger, more complicated problems with confidence.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of your role?
As my responsibilities have grown, balancing competing priorities has become increasingly complex, especially maintaining quality while delivering quickly. Striking that balance requires creativity, adaptability and sometimes accepting that “perfect” can’t always be the goal if you want to keep momentum.
What has you most excited about the future of this industry?
I’m excited by the energy and fresh perspectives that new engineers are bringing. They’re challenging established norms and tackling problems with ever more sophisticated tools. I think we’re on the cusp of a leap forward, where problems that once took years to solve could take weeks, opening new doors for real, meaningful progress.
What do you do to make sure you’re continuing your education/training?
I focus on applying what I learn as quickly and practically as possible. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the pace of new technologies, but I believe in the “slow and steady” approach—making consistent, incremental improvements every day. Over time, that’s what compounds into real expertise.
What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in a relatively short time, especially considering my “late start” in the industry. Every step, from technical support to leading software development, has come from persistence, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning.
How do you typically spend your time outside of work?
I love immersing myself in stories—whether through games, books, shows or movies. Fiction can be surprisingly insightful about real people and challenges. I also enjoy traveling, exploring national parks, gardening, tinkering with electronics, apps, and mechanical gadgets, and building/creating things from home renovations and woodworking to arts and crafts.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Despite having a very technical background and position, I’ve always been drawn to the creative side of things. I believe inspired engineering design is equal parts art and science, and if I hadn’t become an engineer, I probably would have ended up in a creative field. That said, predicting the future is tricky—even my past self would be surprised to see me in software management in the fluids industry, none of which I expected to gravitate toward at the time.
Read about more 10 to Watch finalists here.
