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Cfd Heat Transfer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

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 ...

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

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 ...

Saanvi Technologies

CFD Engineer

Raymond, OH · On-site

Perform thermal and underhood simulations , including conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis * Conduct CFD simulations using tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, and OpenFOAM * Analyze simulation results ...

Apply Early

Rivian

Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain

Plymouth, MI

$98K - $123K/yr

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 ...

Valar Atomics

CFD Analyst

Hawthorne, NV

Apply strong technical expertise in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and simulation methods to solve complex engineering problems. * Develop accurate, high-quality CFD models that provide actionable ...

Last Energy

Senior CFD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Drive pressure drop and heat transfer performance predictions and trade studies (P vs UA/effectiveness, temperature approach, flow distribution, hot spots) * Develop a repeatable CFD workflow ...

Last Energy

Senior CFD Engineer

Austin, TX

$99K - $135K/yr

Drive pressure drop and heat transfer performance predictions and trade studies (ΔP vs UA/effectiveness, temperature approach, flow distribution, hot spots) * Develop a repeatable CFD workflow ...

Apply Early

Last Energy

Senior CFD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Drive pressure drop and heat transfer performance predictions and trade studies (ΔP vs UA/effectiveness, temperature approach, flow distribution, hot spots) * Develop a repeatable CFD workflow ...

Kratos Defense

Senior Heat Transfer Engineer

Jupiter, FL

$102K - $140K/yr

Experience with Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT), CFD, additive manufacturing. Proficiency with MSC Easy5 and ANSYS FEA is desired. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Office and/or manufacturing ...

Pkaza

CFD Engineer - Mechanical

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

CFD Engineer - Mechanical - New York, NY Our client is an Engineering Design and Commissioning ... Perform complex flow, heat transfer, and turbulence modeling tasks * Perform computation analysis ...

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Pkaza

CFD Engineer - Mechanical

Wilkes Barre, PA · On-site +1

CFD Engineer - Mechanical - Wilkes Barre, PA Our client is an Engineering Design and Commissioning ... Perform complex flow, heat transfer, and turbulence modeling tasks * Perform computation analysis ...

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Colonial Staffing Group

CFD Analyst

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$44 - $47/wk

... CFD. - Experience in automotive/vehicle cooling airflow, thermal management and aerodynamics is ... heat transfer and thermodynamics. - Proven track record of validating and optimizing vehicle ...

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GTI Fabrication

CFD Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Lead CFD analysis and thermal modeling activities for enclosed industrial systems and modular ... Master's degree with concentration in thermal sciences, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics preferred

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GTI Fabrication

CFD Engineer

Buffalo, NY

Lead CFD analysis and thermal modeling activities for enclosed industrial systems and modular ... Master's degree with concentration in thermal sciences, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics preferred

Apply Early

Colonial Staffing Group

CFD Analyst

High Point, NC · On-site

$47/hr

... in CFD. - Experience in automotive cooling airflow, thermal management and aerodynamics is ... heat transfer and thermodynamics. - Proven track record of validating and optimizing vehicle ...

Apply Early

Holtec International

CFD Engineer Specialist

Camden, NJ · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Strong knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and CFD turbulence models * Familiarity with two ... phase flow modeling * Programming skills in Python, C++, or Java for automation and post-processing

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How much do cfd heat transfer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd heat transfer 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 Heat Transfer engineer?

A CFD Heat Transfer engineer is a professional who uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to analyze and solve problems related to heat transfer in fluids and solids. They simulate how heat moves through different materials and environments, helping to design and optimize systems like engines, HVAC units, and electronic devices. Their work is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing to ensure efficient thermal management and product safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CFD Heat Transfer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CFD Heat Transfer Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer, typically supported by a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Proficiency with simulation software like ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, or OpenFOAM, along with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help differentiate top performers in this field. These skills are crucial for accurately modeling complex thermal systems, interpreting results, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver effective engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Cfd Heat Transfer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCfd Heat TransferMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; certifications in CFD softwareBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, aerospace, automotive industriesManufacturing plants, design offices, R&D departments
Industry UsageSpecialized in fluid dynamics, heat transfer analysis, simulationDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems

While Cfd Heat Transfer focuses on simulating and analyzing heat transfer and fluid flow using computational methods, Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, including designing mechanical systems, structural analysis, and manufacturing. Both roles often collaborate but differ in specialization and daily tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by CFD Heat Transfer engineers when working on complex simulation projects?

CFD Heat Transfer engineers often encounter challenges such as accurately capturing detailed thermal boundary conditions, managing large datasets from high-resolution simulations, and ensuring model validation against experimental results. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—such as mechanical designers and experimentalists—is key to refining simulation parameters and interpreting results. Staying updated with the latest simulation software features and best practices also helps address these challenges and improves project outcomes.
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What cities are hiring for Cfd Heat Transfer jobs? Cities with the most Cfd Heat Transfer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Cfd Heat Transfer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cfd Heat Transfer jobs are:
Cfd Heat Transfer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Heat Transfer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% 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 • On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 23 days ago

Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
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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