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Cfd Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Honeywell

Lead CFD Mechanical Design Engineer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$129K - $161K/yr

... CFD) to support developing new technologies, engineering projects, field troubleshooting efforts, UOP Services, and other unique customer requests that require high level analytical solutions and ...

Jacuzzi Group

Mechanical Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$87K/yr

Leverage Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze and improve flow behavior in valves and ... Partner closely with manufacturing and process engineering teams to ensure product readiness

Jacuzzi Group

Mechanical Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$87K/yr

Leverage Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze and improve flow behavior in valves and ... Partner closely with manufacturing and process engineering teams to ensure product readiness

Jacuzzi Group

Mechanical Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$87K/yr

Leverage Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze and improve flow behavior in valves and ... Partner closely with manufacturing and process engineering teams to ensure product readiness

Middough Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Advanced Mechanical Evaluation using FEA or CFD engineering tools * Welding and Metallurgy design * Water treatment experience * 6 years of engineering design and collaboration experience developing ...

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All JobsCfd Engineer JobsCfd Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Cfd Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$90.1K

$127.9K

How much do cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd engineer in Illinois is $90,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cfd Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCfd EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; proficiency in CFD softwareBachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; often includes CFD knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, aerospace, automotive, energy sectors; focus on fluid dynamics simulationsManufacturing, product design, HVAC; broader engineering tasks including mechanics and thermodynamics
Industry UsagePrimarily in industries requiring fluid flow analysisWider industry application including structural and thermal systems

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering and CFD software, Cfd Engineers specialize in fluid dynamics simulations, whereas Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope including mechanics, thermodynamics, and design. Cfd Engineers focus more on computational analysis, while Mechanical Engineers may handle a wider range of engineering tasks.

Are CFD engineers in demand?

CFD engineers are in demand in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, where computational fluid dynamics simulations are essential for product design and optimization. The role requires strong skills in fluid mechanics, programming, and simulation software like ANSYS or OpenFOAM, and employment prospects are generally stable due to ongoing technological advancements and engineering needs.

What is a CFD engineer?

As a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engineer, your responsibilities are to use CFD formulas to predict fluid flows and heat transfers. You use software applications such as OpenFOAM or Gerris to compute the finite element method and the finite volume method, which use partial differential equations to create two- or three-dimensional models and simulations. Your job duties include analyzing problems, building models, and proposing solutions. Your experience makes you a valuable part of research and development teams in the mechanical and chemical engineering industries as well as the automobile, aerospace, and aeronautical industries.

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

To thrive as a CFD Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and numerical methods, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering. Expertise in CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or STAR-CCM+, along with programming skills in Python or MATLAB, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and clear communication help you interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate simulations, optimizing designs, and supporting engineering decisions in industries where fluid behavior is critical.

What are some common challenges CFD engineers face when working on complex simulation projects?

CFD Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing simulation accuracy with computational resources and time constraints. Handling large and intricate geometries can lead to long computation times and may require advanced meshing strategies or high-performance computing. Additionally, accurately modeling boundary conditions and physical phenomena, especially in multiphase or turbulent flows, demands a deep understanding of fluid dynamics and software capabilities. Effective collaboration with design, testing, and product teams is also crucial to validate simulation results and implement practical solutions.
More about Cfd Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Cfd Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Cfd Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cfd Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Cfd Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cfd Engineer jobs in IL? For Cfd Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Engineer job openings in Illinois 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 $90,133 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - CFD and Cooling Systems

RFA Engineering

Chillicothe, IL • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility in Mossville, IL.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Mechanical Engineer - CFD and Cooling Systems
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will support the design, analysis, and validation of cooling systems for off-highway equipment, engines, and electrified products. This role focuses on thermal management, cooling system performance, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to help develop reliable and efficient products.
Responsibilities
  • Support the design and development of cooling systems for diesel and electrified equipment.
  • Perform 1-D simulation to size and select cooling system components such as radiators, heat exchangers, pumps, and fans.
  • Conduct CFD analysis to evaluate airflow, cooling package performance, and component temperatures.
  • Develop and analyze thermal models to support product design decisions.
  • Work with design, systems, and validation engineers to develop effective cooling solutions.
  • Correlate simulation results with test data and recommend design improvements.
  • Investigate cooling-related issues and support root cause analysis activities.
  • Communicate analysis results and technical recommendations to project teams.
  • Support continuous improvement of simulation tools, methods, and processes.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
  • Demonstrated engineering experience, including experience with cooling systems, thermal analysis, or CFD.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
  • Experience using CFD and/or 1-D simulation tools.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or similar CFD software.
  • Experience with GT-SUITE or other 1-D simulation tools.
  • Knowledge of engine cooling, powertrain cooling, or electrification systems.
  • Experience with Creo or other CAD software.
  • Programming experience with Python, C++, or similar languages.
  • Master's degree in Mechanical, Agricultural, or Aerospace Engineering

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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