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Cfd Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท 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 ...

Mid-Level Thermal Engineer

Crystal City, VA ยท On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

Position Title: Mid-Level Thermal Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an ... Apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods to analyze aerothermal loads, heating environments ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfd Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Cfd Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Cfd Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Cfd Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cfd Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

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.

Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping? Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of our Nation's defenses to support next generation hypersonic and reentry systems? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking an aerothermal engineer to help us perform research, development, design, analysis and prototyping of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies to advance our Nation's premiere strategic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to develop these next generation systems, ensuring the enduring effectiveness of our Nation's strategic deterrent. You will be joining a complementary team of engineers who work together to provide impactful solutions to system level objectives and challenges. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging challenging work and supporting continued learning and development. As a Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer... * Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop advanced reentry system designs and prototypes
* Develop and execute component and/or system-level thermal finite element models to evaluate trajectory-based aerodynamic heating and performance
* Perform TPS characterization, selection, and analyses of ablative TPS materials
* Support aerothermal ground test activities, including test design, test operations, and data analysis.
* Conduct trade studies on vehicle TPS design concepts
* As needed, assist in developing software tools for high-speed aerothermal analyses
* Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Have a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
* Have experience in performing aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems.
* Have experience in thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation.
* Have strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB
* Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written
* Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites
* Have initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission
* Can work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams comprised of APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners with varying experience levels and backgrounds
* Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * Have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in vehicle system design and development with a focus on aerodynamics.
* Have experience with CART3D, CFD++, Kestrel, or other advanced CFD codes, as well as experience in grid generation using Pointwise, ICEM CFD, or similar software.
* Have programming skills in Linux Bash (or similar) and/or Python and have experience with High Performance Clusters and batch queuing systems (PBS, Slurm, etc.)
* Have experience or knowledge in design or testing of hypersonics systems
* Have experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles
* Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually