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Cfd Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

Plume CFD Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $203K/yr

Execute the full analysis pipeline: CAD preparation and defeaturing, mesh generation, CFD/DSMC simulation, post-processing, and results delivery * Perform 2D axisymmetric and 3D CFD simulations of ...

Stratolaunch

CFD Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Conduct advanced CFD analyses of captive carry and hypersonic vehicles, with emphasis on: * Interference effects (e.g., multi-body, control surface, propulsion-airframe interactions) * High-speed ...

AlleyCorp

Staff CFD Analysis Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$180 - $220/hr

The Senior CFD Analysis Engineer leads the development and execution of high‑fidelity computational fluid dynamics and thermal‑hydraulic simulations that underpin the safety, performance and ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Responsibilities include leading high-fidelity CFD analyses to support conceptual sizing, preliminary and detailed design, aerodynamic database development, and performance modeling, as well as ...

Belcan

Aeroelasticity- Staff Analyst

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

The Aerodynamics Analyst (Analyst level) owns compressor blade (mid/last) CFD/analysis and secondary fluid-systems CFD. For a strong enough candidate the Aeroelasticity SME may double as the ...

Inversion

Staff Aerothermal CFD Methods Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

The aerothermal environments that Inversion's vehicles fly through push beyond what off-the-shelf analysis tools can characterize. As the Staff Aerothermal CFD Methods Engineer, you will build and ...

Inversion

Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

... analysis * Strong experience with high fidelity simulation of gas dynamics at conditions where ... Experience modifying CFD solvers or coupling them for multi-physics simulations * Experience with ...

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All JobsCfd Analyst JobsCfd Analyst Jobs in California

Cfd Analyst information

See California salary details

$35K

$97.9K

$125.3K

How much do cfd analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd analyst in California is $97,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a CFD analyst do?

A CFD Analyst, or Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst, uses specialized software to simulate and analyze fluid flows and heat transfer in various systems. They help design and optimize products such as aircraft, cars, and HVAC systems by predicting how fluids (like air or water) will behave under different conditions. Their work involves setting up simulations, analyzing results, and collaborating with engineers to improve performance and efficiency. CFD Analysts play a crucial role in industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy by reducing the need for costly physical prototypes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CFD analyst?

To thrive as a CFD Analyst, you need a strong background in fluid dynamics, numerical methods, and engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering. Proficiency in CFD software like ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, and experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are important to ensure accurate simulations, insightful analyses, and actionable recommendations for engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by CFD analysts when working on complex simulation projects?

CFD Analysts often encounter challenges such as ensuring mesh quality, managing computational costs, and interpreting large datasets from simulations. Collaborating closely with design engineers and project managers is essential to align simulation parameters with real-world constraints and project goals. Staying updated with evolving software tools and maintaining accuracy while meeting tight project deadlines are also typical hurdles. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering actionable insights.

What is the difference between Cfd Analyst vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCfd AnalystMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; certifications in CFD softwareBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, aerospace or automotive industriesManufacturing plants, design offices, R&D departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, automotive, energy sectors for fluid dynamics analysisBroadly in manufacturing, product design, HVAC, automotive

Both roles require a strong background in engineering principles and CFD software. A Cfd Analyst specializes in fluid dynamics simulations, while a Mechanical Engineer has a broader scope including design, manufacturing, and systems integration. The choice depends on your focus—specialized CFD analysis or general mechanical design and development.

What are popular job titles related to Cfd Analyst jobs in California?

For Cfd Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cfd Analyst jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cfd Analyst jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cfd Analyst jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cfd Analyst job openings:

Cfd Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,859 per year, or $47 per hour.

Mechanical Designer - CFD Analyst

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Harley Ellis Devereaux
Architectural Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Harley Ellis Devereauxexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Designer - CFD Analyst

Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to our group of talented engineers and designers. The Mechanical Designer – CFD Analyst - is a seasoned contributor with advanced CFD modeling expertise, proven documentation skills, and growing leadership capability. 

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary

This role balances deep technical contributions with oversight responsibilities, including mentorship, QAQC, and project coordination. The Mechanical Designer III operates independently on complex tasks, delegates work to others, and acts as a key resource for system integration and design strategy across the team. This individual will be primarily focused on CFD analysis, however may also support direct HVAC system layouts based on project requirements.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead the development of medium-to-large scale CFD analysis, for both internal and external scenarios.
  • Develop and enforce CFD analysis standards and workflows across teams.
  • Have a working ability to use Revit for navigating models, viewing systems, completing takeoffs and extracting information for use in CFD analysis. 
  • Create mechanical system layouts and modeling tasks independently.
  • Oversee drawing production, ensuring code compliance and graphic clarity across all mechanical documents.
  • Generate and review technical documentation including specifications and report narratives as related to CFD requirements.
  • Work with lead designer to validate mechanical equipment sizing and load calculations in conjunction with CFD analysis results.
  • Manage mechanical portions of the project scope independently, delegating drafting or research tasks to staff.
  • Estimate, track, and manage hours for self-performed and delegated work.
  • Train and mentor mechanical team members on design practices, tools, and standards.
  • Delegate work strategically based on skill level and workload capacity of team members.
  • Lead QAQC efforts on both self-produced and delegated work, ensuring conformance to HED standards.
  • Provide constructive feedback and contribute to mechanical staff development through mentorship.
  • Act as the lead mechanical representative in client meetings related to CFD analysis, confidently presenting technical design intent.
  • Document meeting outcomes and action items related to CFD analysis clearly, sharing responsibility for technical coordination follow-up.
  • Engage in early project scoping discussions and support proposal efforts with technical narratives and fee input for CFD analysis.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent, required. 
  • 5+ years of experience in the AEC industry preferred. 
  • Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
  • Strong organizational skills preferred. 
  • Revit experience required. 
  • 3+ years of CFD modeling experience (interior and exterior) required.
  • Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required. 
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required. 
  • Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
  • Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

  • We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture. 
  • The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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