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Aerospace Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CFD Propulsion Research Engineer

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CFD Propulsion Research Engineer Company: Altus Engineering Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD ... Qualifications/Desired Skills: • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace ...

Principal CFD Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our customers include leading innovators in Aerospace & Defense, Materials, Energy, Semiconductors ... Continuously improving engineering best practices, adapting CFD model setups and outputs to support ...

CFD Analyst

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$44 - $47/wk

Up to $47/hr and time and a half for overtime hours Education & Experience - Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. - 2 + years of experience in CFD. - Experience in automotive ...

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Aerospace Cfd Engineer information

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$11K

$93K

$132K

How much do aerospace cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace cfd engineer in the United States is $93,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace CFD engineer?

Aerospace CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Engineers are professionals who use computer simulations to analyze and solve problems related to fluid flow, heat transfer, and aerodynamics in aerospace applications. They develop and run complex models to predict how air flows around aircraft, spacecraft, or related components to optimize performance and ensure safety. Their work supports the design and improvement of structures such as wings, fuselages, and propulsion systems. Aerospace CFD Engineers typically work with specialized software and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to validate and interpret simulation results. This role requires a strong foundation in fluid dynamics, mathematics, and computer programming.

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

Aerospace CFD Engineers frequently work alongside structural, propulsion, and systems engineers to ensure aerodynamic designs meet performance and safety requirements. They collaborate by sharing simulation results, participating in design reviews, and integrating feedback from various disciplines. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as CFD findings often influence design decisions and require coordination for testing and validation. This collaborative environment fosters a well-rounded approach to solving complex aerospace challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace CFD engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace CFD Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and numerical methods, typically supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, and experience in programming languages like Python or MATLAB are essential, along with knowledge of high-performance computing. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate simulations, optimizing designs, and ensuring the success of complex aerospace projects.

What is the difference between Aerospace Cfd Engineer vs Aerospace Design Engineer?

AspectAerospace Cfd EngineerAerospace Design Engineer
Primary FocusComputational fluid dynamics simulations and analysisDesign and development of aerospace components and systems
Required SkillsCFD software, fluid mechanics, aerodynamicsCAD tools, structural analysis, design principles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, simulation centers, aerospace companiesDesign offices, engineering teams, manufacturing facilities
Common CertificationsABET accreditation, CFD software certificationsABET accreditation, CAD certifications

While both roles are integral to aerospace engineering, an Aerospace Cfd Engineer specializes in fluid dynamics simulations to optimize aerodynamics, whereas an Aerospace Design Engineer focuses on creating and refining aerospace components and systems. Both roles often collaborate but have distinct technical focuses within the industry.

More about Aerospace Cfd Engineer jobs

What states have the most Aerospace Cfd Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerospace Cfd Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Cfd Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Sr Engineer Systems - Thermal/CFD

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Auto req ID: 57720
Title: Sr Engineer Systems - Thermal/CFD
Job Function: Engineering
Location: PDC
Workplace Category: Onsite
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Shift: SHIFT1

In 1903, out of a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, four young men lit a cultural wildfire that would grow and spread across geographies and generations. Their innovation and imagination for what was possible on two wheels sparked a transportation revolution that would make Harley-Davidson the most recognizable motorcycle brand in the world. Today, we continue to define motorcycle culture, evoking soul-stirring emotion reflected in every product and experience we deliver - like we have for well over a century and will for generations to come. Are you ready to ride with us?
The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra - You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a Sr Engineer Systems - Thermal/CFD.
Job Summary
The Senior Systems Engineer - Thermal/CFD is a full-time onsite position reporting to the System/Component Simulation Engineering Manager. This individual is expected to provide 3-D CFD simulation and analysis to support vehicle aerodynamics, thermal comfort and powertrain (ICE/EV) development to ensure the delivery of world class Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This work must align with cross-functional stakeholders and strategies within product development. The role must collaborate with motorcycle project teams, design studio, test labs, and other internal and external partners to develop innovative solutions for all future product plan projects as well as current production issues.
Job Responsibilities
The Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for the following:
  • Retrieving, preparing and cleanup of CAD parts for CFD volume meshing
  • Work with internal customers to ensure proper boundary conditions are applied
  • Work with Powertrain, Electrical, Mechanical, and Reliability engineers to develop simulation cases and physical tests in parallel to validate and refine 3-D/1-D models
  • Develop 3-D/1-D CFD/CAE models to analyze problems related to thermodynamics, fluid flow and heat transfer (lubrication, cooling, air and other means).
  • Develop 3-D/1-D thermal models of heat conduction, convection and radiation to enable thermal design decisions and their impact on vehicle components (rider/passenger). Examples include power train
  • components, battery cases, motors, components including metals, non-metals, gap fillers, conduction interfaces, coatings, battery cells (jelly roll), etc.
  • Develop 3-D/1-D thermal models for power electronics and motor cooling, including motor windings, and rotor interior.
  • Develop 3-D/1-D thermal convection models for understanding ICE/EV energy balance
  • The ability to analyze 3-D/1-D models to identify incremental opportunities for overall vehicle / system improvements via reduction in engineering scalars (pressure loss, heat transfer, energy balance, flow and drag)
  • The ability to communicate across multiple software tools to quantify or optimize performance of vehicle/sub-systems (Star-CCM+, GT-Power, Sculptor, ModeFrontier, Simulink)
  • Interpret analysis results with respect to results obtained by lab testing procedures, and converting these results into practical design suggestions
  • Proactively validate/correlate results with real world data and make model improvements to drive methods development and continuous model improvement
  • Generates high level engineering reports and presents CFD/CAE results/conclusions to the motorcycle project teams

Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Required
Education Specifications
Position requires a bachelor's degree in one of the following disciplines:
  • Mechanical Engineering (Fluids, Heat transfer, or Combustion emphasis), Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or Applied Physics. Master of Science or PhD degree with specialization in CFD preferred.

Experience Requirements
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years or more of demonstrated performance related to the following:
  • Demonstrated history of 3D CFD simulations in battery enclosure heat transfer, ICE heat transfer, powertrain applications, vehicle aerodynamics, and thermal comfort
  • Strong understanding of fundamental physics - thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat transfer and combustion
  • Demonstrated use with engineering analysis tools for CFD Modeling and simulation (e.g., Star-CCM+, Converge, GT-Power, modeFrontier, Sculptor, TaiTherm, Simulink, Optistruct, etc.)
  • Experience with data sets and CFD correlation (Powertrain, Dyno, Vehicle, Wind tunnel)
  • Experience in parallel computations, parametric modeling, and design optimization
  • Proficient at programming with commercial software (Matlab, EES, Java, Python)
  • Demonstrated familiarity with Creo and CFD mesh repair techniques
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Outstanding interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated technical problem solving

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.
We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
Direct Reports: Yes
Travel Required: 0 - 10%
Pay Range: $93,400 - $145,000

Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)