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Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI

$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 ...

Last Energy

Senior CFD Engineer

Austin, TX

$99K - $135K/yr

We're hiring a CFD Engineer focused on heat exchangers to drive thermal-fluid analysis from first-pass sizing through detailed geometry decisions. You'll own the CFD workflow end-to-end and turn ...

1 point system

CFD Engineer - 100% Remote

Albany, NY · Remote

Extensive experience performing CFD analysis, CFD modeling and turbulent/laminar flows * Structural mechanical engineering background * Exp working with finite element computer codes is A PLUS!

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 ...

Last Energy

Senior CFD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

We're hiring a CFD Engineer focused on heat exchangers to drive thermal-fluid analysis from first-pass sizing through detailed geometry decisions. You'll own the CFD workflow end-to-end and turn ...

Inversion

Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Masters / PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field. * Experience modifying CFD solvers or coupling them for multi-physics simulations * Experience with high temperature gas ...

Valar Atomics

CFD Analyst

Hawthorne, NV

We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to ... In this role, you will develop high-fidelity CFD models that support reactor design optimization ...

Altus LLC

CFD Propulsion Research Engineer

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

CFD Propulsion Research Engineer Company: Altus Engineering Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Salary: $100,000-$200,000 Position Overview: Altus Engineering is currently seeking a Computational ...

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How much do cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd engineer in the United States is $93,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $110,000.00 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 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 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 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.

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Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Rivian

Plymouth, MI

$98K - $123K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 20 days ago

Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Responsibilities
  • As the senior CFD simulations, you will support design and optimization of lubrication and cooling performance of powertrain Drive Units assemblies including e-motors.
  • Build, validate and maintain 3D CFD models (steady state and transient) using industry-standard tools (e.g., Simerics, Star-CCM+ or similar) to predict oil splash, pressure drop, heat transfer, and flow distribution across key systems.
  • Build, validate and maintain 1D lubrication models (steady state and transient) using industry-standard tools (e.g., AMESIM, GT Suite, Matlab or similar) to predict spray and splash lubrication, churning losses, aeration effect, pressure drop, heat transfer, and flow distribution across key systems.
  • Define boundary conditions, load cases, and duty cycles using vehicle usage profiles and test data to ensure simulations represent real customer usage and worst-case environmental conditions.
  • Translate simulation results into clear design recommendations for component owners (Driveline, powertrain, Motor), including geometry changes, ducting strategies, and shielding/insulation concepts.
  • Collaborate with designers and system engineers to balance lubrication, thermal, NVH, durability, and manufacturability requirements in a cross-functional environment.
  • Develop and refine correlation between CFD and physical tests, including defining test plans, instrumentation needs, and success criteria for lubrication and thermal validation at component, system, and vehicle level.
  • Support root cause analysis on development and field issues where lubrication and thermal performance are potential contributors; propose data-driven corrective actions and design updates.
  • Help build and standardize CFD methodologies, best practices, and templates (meshing strategies, model reduction approaches, post-processing standards) to accelerate analysis throughput and improve quality.
  • Communicate complex analysis results through concise reports and presentations tailored to design engineers, leadership, and cross-functional partners.

Qualifications
  • B.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 years of relevant experience in CFD and 1D thermal analysis for automotive, aerospace, energy, or similar industries (advanced degrees may count toward experience).
  • Proven expertise in 1D and CFD pre-processing, solving, and post-processing (Simerics, Star-CCM+ or equivalent).
  • Working experience with Simerics-MP+ for rotating machine and gearbox oil splash simulation is a plus.
  • Strong foundation in multiphase turbulence physics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer (VOF, surface tension, aeration, conduction, convection, radiation, conjugate heat transfer and turbulence model) with deep understanding in tribology.
  • Proficiency in handling complex moving geometries using sliding mesh, overset mesh or morphing techniques for rotating gears, bearings and shafts.
  • Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and heat transfer (convection, radiation, conjugate heat transfer, pressure loss, turbulence modeling).
  • Experience with Drive Unit or system-level simulations (Full Drive Unit/Transmission flow, thermal management or similar).
  • Familiarity with duty cycles and durability concepts (e.g., Oil pump and thermal cycling, life prediction based on SN or temperature-time exposure is a plus).
  • Working knowledge of parametric CAD tools and geometry handling (CATIA or similar) sufficient to prepare CFD-ready models and influence design.
  • Experience scripting in Python, MATLAB, or similar for process automation, data reduction, and parametric studies.
  • Ability to work independently while also thriving in a highly cross-functional team; comfortable driving analysis workstreams end-to-end with minimal supervision.
  • Strong communication skills: able to explain complex CFD and thermal behavior in a way that is accessible to non-specialists and actionable for design teams.
  • A growth mindset with curiosity to explore new tools, methods, and approaches to improve accuracy, speed, and robustness of analysis workflows.

Pay Disclosure
Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009

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