ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cfd Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CentroMotion

Project Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Design analysis: verifies designs through engineering calculations, modelling and/or simulations such as CFD and FEA. * Design verification/validation: proves the design meets specifications and ...

All JobsCfd Engineer JobsCfd Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Cfd Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$87.4K

$124K

How much do cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd engineer in Iowa is $87,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $103,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 often requires proficiency with simulation software like ANSYS or OpenFOAM and a strong background in fluid mechanics and programming. Job growth is driven by increasing reliance on simulation for cost-effective and efficient engineering solutions.
More about Cfd Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Cfd Engineer jobs in Iowa?

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

What job categories do people searching Cfd Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cfd Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Cfd Engineer jobs in IA?

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

Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,365 per year, or $42 per hour.

Project Engineer

CentroMotion

Urbandale, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Project Engineer

Urbandale, IA Engineering

Description

The Project Engineer is responsible for specification, product design, maintenance and support of components and subassemblies of Gits Mfg products within time, cost, and quality requirements. In addition, verifying the components and subassemblies comply with functional, cost and manufacturability requirements.


Responsibilities:

  • Product and process specifications: develops, creates and modifies engineering specifications of components, subassemblies, and manufacturing processes. Verifies engineering standards and guidelines are applied correctly.
  • Design: creates and modifies (conceptual) product designs and drawings using CAD tools, product data management systems and risk analysis tools. Supports design reviews internally and externally.
  • Design analysis: verifies designs through engineering calculations, modelling and/or simulations such as CFD and FEA.
  • Design verification/validation: proves the design meets specifications and customer expectations through creation and execution of test plans, and documents results in test reports. Prepares and supports prototype building activities.
  • Engineering changes: develops, tracks, and implements design changes in order to reduce cost and/or improve product quality.
  • Estimation and Reporting: provides estimates for engineering tasks, monitors and reports own progress.
  • Documentation and reports: completes documentation of design artifacts according to the Gits product development process standards. Utilizes technical writing skills to document development activities through engineering reports.


Requirements

  • Minimum bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent
  • 2 years of relevant experience in the area of Product Design or R&D desired but not mandatory
  • Knowledge of Gits products, manufacturing processes and related technology, including industry knowledge.
  • Good communication skills, written and verbal.
  • Team player, able to work in multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of CAD tools (SolidWorks)
  • Knowledge and experience with other engineering tools, such as simulation/modelling, design and calculation tools, FMEA and 8D.
  • Knowledge of APQP or stage gate development processes.


Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc) for positions of 30 hours or more per week
  • Health Savings Account with annual employer contribution
  • Company provided Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance, Spousal Life, Child Life, Critical Illness, Accident, and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) with matching contribution that is fully vested from day 1
  • Generous amount of PTO, plus 14 paid Holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunity


Apply