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Cfd Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

North Wind

CFD Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

CFD Aerospace Engineer The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Aerospace Engineer is a key contributor who develops and executes high-fidelity simulations to analyze aerodynamic performance, thermal ...

North Wind

Aerospace Analysis Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

Aerospace Analysis Engineer - CFD (Senior and Principal levels considered) The Aerospace Analysis Engineer - Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a key contributor who develops and executes high ...

Mainstream Engineering

Senior Thermal Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

CFD/FEA modeling (ANSYS/FLUENT) experience is a plus Mainstream Engineering Corporation is an equal ... opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected ...

Leidos

Senior Kinetics DE/CD Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

Utilize advanced CFD solvers and codes (e.g., Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, US3D) for aerodynamic ... Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc. * Strong ...

Leidos

Senior Kinetics DE/CD Engineer

Arlington, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

Utilize advanced CFD solvers and codes (e.g., Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, US3D) for aerodynamic ... Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc. * Strong ...

Mainstream Engineering

Senior Thermal Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

CFD/FEA modeling (ANSYS/FLUENT) experience is a plus Mainstream Engineering Corporation is an equal ... opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected ...

Mainstream Engineering

Senior Thermal Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

CFD/FEA modeling (ANSYS/FLUENT) experience is a plus Mainstream Engineering Corporation is an equal ... opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected ...

Allocor Tech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crozet, VA · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Why This Role Exists Engineering Services is capacity-constrained, resulting in unbilled customer ... Conduct FEA and CFD analysis to validate heat rejection, vibration response, and structural ...

Luxus

Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

This isn't just about HVAC load calcs; it's about "cradle-to-grave" engineering where you take ownership of the entire lifecycle, from initial concept and CFD modeling to hands-on fabrication and ...

Genex Systems

Hydraulic Research Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

CFD simulations and CAD model designs may be included to complement physical tests. Once assigned a ... Apply hydraulics and civil engineering to break down the research into achievable objectives.

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All JobsCfd Engineer JobsCfd Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Cfd Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$92.2K

$130.9K

How much do cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd engineer in Virginia is $92,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $109,100.00 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.
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Cfd Engineer jobs near you
CFD Engineer

CFD Engineer

North Wind

Newport News, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

CFD Aerospace Engineer

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Aerospace Engineer is a key contributor who develops and executes high-fidelity simulations to analyze aerodynamic performance, thermal environments, and complex flow physics for high-speed aerospace systems. This role supports system design and optimization by delivering accurate numerical insights validated against physical models and test data, while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, set-up, and execute CFD simulations using commercial or open-source solvers for high-speed aerospace system problems, including external and internal flows.
  • Create aerodynamic databases for vehicle trajectory simulations and performance models.
  • Perform analysis of internal flows of airbreathing propulsion flowpaths, including high-speed inlet systems with complex shock / boundary layer interactions and chemically reacting / combusting flows.
  • Develop and recommend design solutions to optimize aerodynamic performance and operability for high-speed systems.
  • Apply advanced data science techniques with machine learning to build surrogate models of CFD simulation results.
  • Support the structural and thermal analysis teams by deriving pressure and aerothermal boundary conditions from CFD solutions.
  • Support multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) efforts, including integration of CFD-generated models with propulsion, structures, and controls simulations.
  • Interpret and validate CFD simulation results against experimental data, translating findings into actionable insights in collaboration with multi-discipline teams.
  • Contribute to process improvements by recommending advanced CFD methods, trajectory tools, optimization algorithms, or workflow enhancements.
  • Prepare clear technical documentation, analysis summaries, charts, and presentations for internal reviews and external stakeholders.
  • Interface with customer technical representatives to review and discuss analysis activities and results.

Preferred Education / Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applied to aerospace systems; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to above.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

  • Must be a self-starter, able to work on multiple projects, and prioritize workload.
  • Proficient in CFD tools such as Pointwise and Tecplot for mesh generation software and post-processing results and familiarity with solvers such as VULCAN, CFD++ and CART3D
  • Strong programming skills for modeling and analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB / Simulink, Fortran, or C++), including scripting for automation of simulations and data reduction.
  • Experience generating aerodynamic data for trajectory simulation, mission analysis, and performance trade studies.
  • Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization frameworks and tools.
  • Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) for large-scale CFD simulations, including operating in a Linux environment.
  • Experience with testing and supporting the design of instrumentation layouts and test matrices for CFD comparisons and model validation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication.
  • Strong analytical mindset with rigorous attention to validation, verification, and engineering accuracy.
  • Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, technical drawings, and specifications.
  • Active U.S. security clearance preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance.
  • Working knowledge of CAD systems, preferably Solidworks.



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About North Wind Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

North Wind Group is a renowned engineering, construction, environmental, and technical services firm based in Idaho Falls, ID, United States. This U.S owned firm, with its robust portfolio, offers a wide range of services including, but not limited to, infrastructure, waste management, remediation, environmental, and construction services. North Wind Group was established in 1997 and since then, it has expanded its operations across the United States, becoming a national provider of high-quality, cost-effective technical and engineering solutions. The company's core values express its commitment to safety, integrity, customer service, innovation, and teamwork, which are all critical to its mission of delivering innovative and sustainable solutions aimed to protect the environment and improve the lives of communities.

Industry

Government relations and lobbying services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Year founded

1997

Social media

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