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Cfd Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Solatube

Mechanical Engineer - Manifolds

Columbia, MD · On-site

$110 - $130/hr

What You'll Do CFD & FEA Technical Leadership * Act as the primary SME for CFD and FEA analysis ... Sales Engineering & Applications Support * Provide engineering analysis support for customer ...

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Cfd Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12.5K

$105.3K

$149.4K

How much do cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd engineer in Washington, DC is $105,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,800.00 and $124,500.00 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.
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For Cfd Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,309 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

CFD Engineer III-V (Fluid Vibrations Analysis)

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.
Job Description
This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components. This includes concept development, evaluation of concepts, analysis of systems, structures, and components for their ability to perform their intended function, and ensuring they meet all technical specifications and requirements. The role will ensure the development of the systems and components through production including any necessary prototyping, testing, and commissioning.
Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or identify structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities with a focus on nuclear safety.
  • Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards and the direction of project leads and systems engineers.
  • Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
  • Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.
  • Responsible for development, testing and verification of CFD models to support design and analysis which will form part of the reactor licensing basis (steady state and transient conditions, design basis events, anomalies, etc.)
  • Responsible for providing heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and particulate mechanics analysis to support the design of various X-energy developed reactors and supporting subsystems.
  • Support the assessment of SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations at the direction of project leads.
  • Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.
  • Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolset.
  • Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
  • Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required.
  • Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas
  • Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis codes (e.g., STAR-CCM+, Fluent, or similar).

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with fluid vibrations or acoustic analysis (Wave6 or VAone)
  • Experience with Star-CCM+

Job Level Qualifications
  • Level III
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Execute the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision.
      • Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
  • Level IV
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and some latitude for independent judgement.
      • Provide feedback and guidance to more junior team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document.
      • Lead small groups of engineers to solve complex technical problems and deliver high quality engineering work products on time and within budget.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
  • Level V
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement.
      • Teach and mentor more junior team members.
      • Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience
      • .Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.

Location: 9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD
Work Site Expectations: 5 days in office
Travel Expectations: Up to 40%
Hours: Standard office hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm ET, Monday - Friday
Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
Level III: $115,000 - $140,000 Level IV: $140,000 - $170,000 Level V: $170,000-$200,000
Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt
Benefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish

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