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Cfd Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Optimal Inc.

CFD Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

CFD Engineer - Multiphase Flow (PhD Preferred) Job Summary We are seeking a CFD Engineer with expertise in multiphase flow simulation and modeling. The ideal candidate will have experience using Flow ...

Optimal Inc.

CFD Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

CFD Engineer - Multiphase Flow (PhD Preferred) Job Summary We are seeking a CFD Engineer with expertise in multiphase flow simulation and modeling. The ideal candidate will have experience using Flow ...

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field required. * M.S. or Ph.D. with a focus in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or CFD strongly * Minimum 5 ...

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field required. * M.S. or Ph.D. with a focus in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or CFD strongly * Minimum 5 ...

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field required. * M.S. or Ph.D. with a focus in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or CFD strongly * Minimum 5 ...

Stefanini

Design Responsible Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

This is a Product Engineer / Design Responsible Engineer role for active aerodynamic systems. It is not a CAD designer, CFD engineer, or software developer role. The engineer will own systems end to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCfd Engineer JobsCfd Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Cfd Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$81.1K

$115.1K

How much do cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd engineer in Michigan is $81,071.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $95,900.00 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 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.

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 is a CFD engineer?

A CFD engineer specializes in using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to simulate and analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical phenomena. They typically work with tools like ANSYS or OpenFOAM and require strong skills in physics, mathematics, and programming to optimize designs and solve engineering problems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or certain senior software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What are CFD Engineers?

CFD Engineers are professionals who specialize in Computational Fluid Dynamics, a field that uses numerical analysis and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluid flows. They use specialized software to simulate how liquids and gases behave under various conditions, which helps in designing and optimizing products like aircraft, cars, and HVAC systems. CFD Engineers typically have a background in engineering, physics, or mathematics and work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. Their work is essential for improving performance, safety, and efficiency in systems involving fluid movement.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.
More about Cfd Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cfd Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Cfd Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
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What job categories do people searching Cfd Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Cfd Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cfd Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Cfd Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cfd Engineer jobs in MI? For Cfd Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 83% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,071 per year, or $39 per hour.
CFD Engineer

CFD Engineer

Optimal Inc.

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

CFD Engineer - Multiphase Flow (PhD Preferred)

Job Summary

We are seeking a CFD Engineer with expertise in multiphase flow simulation and modeling. The ideal candidate will have experience using Flow-3D and other CFD tools to analyze complex fluid dynamics problems and develop accurate, high-performance simulation solutions.

Key Responsibilities
Develop, execute, and validate CFD simulations involving multiphase flows.
Analyze simulation results and provide engineering recommendations.
Develop and improve numerical models for fluid flow and transport phenomena.
Collaborate with engineering and research teams on simulation-driven projects.
Document methodologies, results, and technical findings.

Required Qualifications
PhD preferred (Master's considered with relevant experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
Strong background in computational fluid dynamics, fluid mechanics, and numerical methods.
Experience with Flow-3D, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, or similar CFD software.
Expertise in multiphase flow modeling, including VOF, Eulerian-Eulerian, or Eulerian-Lagrangian approaches.
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++.
Experience with model validation, data analysis, and technical reporting.

Preferred Qualifications
Publications or research experience in CFD, multiphase flows, or related areas.
Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) and parallel computing.
Experience validating simulations against experimental data.