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Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$125 - $150/hr

CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion High-Fidelity Simulation | Internal & External Flows | Inlet, Combustor & Nozzle Analysis Job Title CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion Location: Hybrid ...

CFD Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion High-Fidelity Simulation | Internal & External Flows | Inlet, Combustor & Nozzle Analysis Job Title CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion Location: Hybrid ...

CFD Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion High-Fidelity Simulation | Internal & External Flows | Inlet, Combustor & Nozzle Analysis Job Title CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion Location Hybrid ...

CFD Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site +1

$100K - $150K/yr

CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion High-Fidelity Simulation | Internal & External Flows | Inlet, Combustor & Nozzle Analysis Job Title CFD Engineer - Aerodynamics & Propulsion Location Hybrid ...

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Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer information

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How much do aerodynamic cfd engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerodynamic cfd engineer in the United States is $14.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerodynamic CFD engineer?

Aerodynamic CFD Engineers are specialized professionals who use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to analyze and optimize the flow of air around objects such as vehicles, aircraft, and turbines. Their work involves simulating and interpreting airflow, pressure, and turbulence to improve performance, efficiency, and safety. They collaborate with design, engineering, and testing teams to develop solutions based on their analyses, ensuring that products meet aerodynamic standards and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerodynamic CFD engineer?

To thrive as an Aerodynamic CFD Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and computational methods, typically supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CFD software (such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or STAR-CCM+), programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), and experience with high-performance computing are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate aerodynamic analyses and supporting innovative design solutions in aerospace and automotive industries.

How does an aerodynamic CFD engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a project?

Aerodynamic CFD Engineers frequently work alongside multidisciplinary teams, including design engineers, wind tunnel specialists, and manufacturing groups. They share simulation data and insights to inform design iterations, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency aligns with project goals. Regular meetings and cross-functional reviews are common, allowing for rapid feedback and integrated problem-solving. Effective communication and the ability to translate complex simulation results into actionable recommendations are key to successful collaboration in this role.

What is the difference between Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer vs Aerodynamics Analyst?

AspectAerodynamic Cfd EngineerAerodynamics Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields; CFD certification beneficialBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields; CFD knowledge advantageous
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation centers, R&D departments in aerospace, automotive, or motorsport industriesResearch institutions, automotive companies, aerospace firms focusing on aerodynamic data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, aerospace companies, motorsport teams using CFD simulations for design optimizationResearch and development teams analyzing aerodynamic performance and data interpretation

While both roles involve understanding aerodynamics and CFD tools, the Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer primarily focuses on developing and running simulations to optimize designs, whereas the Aerodynamics Analyst concentrates on analyzing aerodynamic data to inform decisions. The Cfd Engineer is more hands-on with simulation setup and validation, while the Analyst interprets results to support engineering teams.

What are popular job titles related to Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer jobs?

For Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerodynamic Cfd Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,337 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Senior Aerodynamics CFD Engineer

Executive Recruiting Group

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior Aerodynamics/CFD Engineer for our Boulder, Colorado location. This role can be remote with travel.

Responsibilities 

  • Design, loft and optimize components that affect the aircraft aerodynamics and outer mold line (OML). 
  • Build models, clean CAD geometry, and generate computational meshes to run CFD simulations that: 
  • Inform aircraft trade studies and configuration design decisions using appropriately fidelity levels. 
  • Support aerodynamic design across all phases, from concept development through certification. 
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction, external-loads analysis, and real-time six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations. 
  • Correlate and validate CFD results against simulations of varying fidelity (e.g. cross-code comparisons, wind-tunnel testing, and flight-test data). Iterate models as new data becomes available. 
  • Post-process and analyze simulation and test data. Summarize results in reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, as needed. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (performance, acoustics, loads, stability and control, control laws, systems, and instrumentation) to define simulation parameters and requirements, ensure model accuracy, and provide CFD expertise to guide design decisions. 
  • Develop and improve the software methods, tools, and workflows that support aerodynamic modeling. 
  • Support verification and validation activities that rely on model outputs (e.g., failure hazard assessments (FHAs)). 
  • Train and mentor junior aerodynamics engineers. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering or a related field 
  • 15+ years of experience with a B.S., 10+ years with an M.S., or 8+ years with a Ph.D. modeling subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics using CFD and validating results with wind-tunnel experiments 
  • Expert-level knowledge of subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics; strong theoretical background in fluid mechanics and CFD 
  • Experience with surface parameterization and aerodynamic shape optimization 
  • Experience in turbulence modeling, boundary-layer transition, unsteady aerodynamics, and interference aerodynamics 
  • Strong competence running NASA OVERFLOW and/or FUN3D CFD software (RANS flow solvers) 
  • Proficiency in 3D surface and volume meshing using structured overset meshes and/or unstructured tetrahedral/hexahedral meshes 
  • Proficiency in lofting aircraft in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) and applying CAD cleanup tools 
  • Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB scripting 
  • Experience working with external partners and suppliers on development projects 
  • Familiarity with software development best practices and version control (Git) 
  • Good knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) hardware and software 
  • Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to work well both collaboratively and independently 
  • Experience in a fast-paced design environment 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Aerodynamics design experience on a large transport/freighter/cargo category aircraft   
  • Familiarity with aircraft certification standards (14 CFR Part 25 or Part 23), preferably having been through an airplane development and certification program 
  • Familiarity with cloud computing platforms 
  • Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel test campaigns to validate CFD and aerodynamic predictions 
  • Proficiency in MATLAB 
  • Experience mentoring junior aerodynamics engineers in CFD

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus mental health support with 24/7 counseling, virtual therapy, and the Calm app. 
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary critical illness and accident coverage, and a 401(k)-retirement savings plan. 
  • Health Care FSA and HSA options with tax advantages and rollover features. 
  • Employees working from Boulder office enjoy complimentary lunch on any day they work onsite. 
  • Additional benefits include Employee Assistance Program, caregiver support, discounted fitness memberships, educational assistance, training programs, adoption assistance, commuter benefits, and exclusive discounts through Perks at Work.