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Cfd Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.

Leidos

Mechanical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Experience with FEA and CFD concepts, including conduction, convection, radiation, contact ... S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field ...

Leidos

Mechanical Engineer

Arlington, VA

$87K - $157K/yr

Provide mechanical engineering leadership on new R&D efforts, current designs, and existing ... Experience with FEA and CFD concepts, including conduction, convection, radiation, contact ...

Leidos

Mechanical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Experience with FEA and CFD concepts, including conduction, convection, radiation, contact ... S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field ...

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 ...

Luxus

Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$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 ...

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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

Hydraulic Research Engineer

Genex Systems

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Genex Systems seeks a talented Hydraulic Research Engineer to support the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contract at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC).
This position focuses on conducting erosion tests of cohesive soils, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical publications. Physical tests may include but are not limited to erosion of field and engineered soils, pier and abutment scour in cohesive soils using small-scaled flumes, and flow field measurement using PIV, ADV, and UDV. CFD simulations and CAD model designs may be included to complement physical tests. Once assigned a research topic, you will complete assignments by defining research requirements and objectives, collecting and reviewing literature, developing proof-of-concept tests, designing physical test matrix, outlining research schedule, conducting physical tests, collecting and analyzing data, preparing the technical publications, and archiving the completed project.
Key Responsibilities
  • Apply hydraulics and civil engineering to break down the research into achievable objectives.
  • Collect and review literature promptly and develop the physical test matrix.
  • Prepare engineered cohesive soils using established procedures or develop new preparation methods.
  • Conduct erosion tests of cohesive soils and collect test data using sensors, including but not limited to laser scanners, ADVs, UDVs, and PIV.
  • Analyze collected experimental data and develop new or improved hydraulic engineering methods and procedures.
  • Prepare technical publications such as FHWA research reports, journals, conference papers, and technical presentation slides.

You may also work on:
  • CFD simulations to help understand the research phenomenon.
  • Design hydraulic testing equipment using SOLIDWORKS or other CAD software, and fabricate the parts with plexiglass, Item profiles, and other materials.

Minimum Qualifications
  • A MS degree in civil engineering (hydraulics) and preferably one (1) year of related research or engineering experience. A Ph.D. degree is preferred.
  • Experience in laboratory test design, test setup, data collection, and analysis. Experience with clay erosion testing is highly preferred.
  • Knowledge of open channel hydraulics, river mechanics, sediment transport, and basic index testing on cohesive soils.
  • Knowledge of hydrology, statistics, and probabilistic analysis.
  • Knowledge of HEC-18, HEC-23, and other FHWA Hydraulic Engineering Circular publications.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, and a team player.

Apply