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Cfd Simulation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Purple Hires Inc

CFD Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Perform CFD simulations for internal and external fluid flow applications. Support design optimization through CFD-based recommendations. Work closely with design, FEA, and testing engineers during ...

Sapsol Technologies Inc

CFD Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... Perform CFD simulations for internal and external fluid flow applications. • Support design ... Bachelor / Master's degree in Mechanical or Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.

Sapsol Technologies Inc

CFD Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Perform CFD simulations for internal and external fluid flow applications. Support design optimization through CFD-based recommendations. Work closely with design, FEA, and testing engineers during ...

Stratolaunch

CFD Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site +1

Experience complex CFD simulations including multibody interactions, plume, scramjet, or aero ... S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination ...

Stratolaunch

CFD Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. ... Experience complex CFD simulations including multibody interactions, plume, scramjet, or aero ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Experience running CFD simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) clusters * Strong ... Strong programming proficiency in Python and MATLAB for scientific computing and workflow ...

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Cfd Simulation Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$91.8K

$130.3K

How much do cfd simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfd simulation engineer in California is $91,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by CFD simulation engineers during project workflows?

CFD Simulation Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex geometries and ensuring mesh quality, which are crucial for accurate results. Balancing simulation accuracy with computational resources and run times can also be demanding, especially when deadlines are tight. Collaboration with design, testing, and manufacturing teams is essential to validate simulation results and integrate feedback, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Staying updated with the latest software and modeling techniques is also important to optimize project outcomes.

What is a CFD simulation engineer?

CFD Simulation Engineers are specialists who use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to analyze and predict fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena in various engineering systems. They create digital models to simulate how gases and liquids move and interact with surfaces, helping to optimize designs in industries like automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. Their work supports product development, troubleshooting, and performance improvement by providing insights that would be difficult or costly to obtain through physical testing alone.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CFD simulation engineer?

To thrive as a CFD Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and numerical methods, usually supported by an engineering degree. Proficiency in CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or STAR-CCM+, along with experience in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for accurately modeling complex flows, optimizing designs, and delivering reliable engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Cfd Simulation Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectCfd Simulation EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering; proficiency in CFD softwareBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; CAD software skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, aerospace, automotive industriesProduct development, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industries
Employer & Industry UsageDesigning fluid flow systems, optimizing aerodynamics, thermal analysisCreating mechanical components, assemblies, and product prototypes

The main difference is that a Cfd Simulation Engineer specializes in computational fluid dynamics to analyze fluid flow and heat transfer, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on designing mechanical components and systems. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but their focus areas and software tools differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in California?

For Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cfd Simulation Engineer job openings:

Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfd Simulation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,796 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.
Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we're designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.
We're in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we've raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.
Now we're looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who'll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.
If that's you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.
Join the power movement as a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer
We're looking for a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our design team to help build next-generation hardware. In this role, you will serve as a lead technical expert for advanced simulations, driving the predictive validation of complex hardware systems.
This role requires a high-level practitioner in multi-physics simulation who can comfortably model complex interactions across thermal, structural, fluid flow, and chemical regimes. If you enjoy solving deeply complex physics problems, applying rigorous modeling standards, and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment to deliver first-of-a-kind hardware, this is your opportunity to make an impact.
What you'll do:
  • Execute Simulation and Modeling: Lead advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for advanced processing equipment
  • Run Multi-Physics Analysis: Build, run, and evaluate highly coupled simulations covering structural mechanics, high-temperature thermal management, fluid/gas flow dynamics, and chemical reaction kinetics
  • Apply Engineering Best Practices: Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management, mesh convergence criteria, and rigorous verification and validation (V&V) protocols using physical test data
  • Drive Design Reviews: Provide analytical leadership during technical design reviews, verifying structural margins, thermal stress distributions, and flow uniformity to guide design choices
  • Collaborate & Interface: Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical Designers, Electrical Engineers, Materials Scientists, and Chemical Specialists, to translate simulation insights into actionable hardware modifications
  • Project Accountability: Own and report on modeling milestones, timelines, and computational resources to stakeholders, ensuring on-time and in-spec delivery
  • Mentor Talent: Coach and mentor junior engineering staff on modeling methodologies, simulation accuracy, and the practical application of finite element principles to real-world hardware
  • Get Things Done: Act with speed to solve critical engineering bottlenecks, validating design optimization paths from concept through prototype deployment

What we're looking for:
  • Education: Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a heavy focus on computational mechanics and multi-physics modeling
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems
  • Software Mastery: Advanced, hands-on expert in ANSYS, COMSOL Multi-physics, or equivalent high-end FEA/CFD simulation platforms
  • Multi-Disciplinary Analytical Expertise: Proven track record of successfully running coupled simulations (e.g., fluid-structure interaction, thermal-structural behavior, and chemical reaction modeling)
  • Empirical Correlation: Ability to bridge the gap between virtual models and the shop floor by validating simulation results against physical test metrics like strain gauge data, thermal imaging, and flow sensors
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence hardware design direction through analytical data and lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment

Bonus points for:
  • Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with applying industry codes to simulation-driven design validation
  • Motion & Dynamics: Experience running transient dynamic simulations or modeling precision motion systems in extreme thermal environments

Must-have requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
  • Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
  • Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
  • Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

$130,000 - $200,000 a year
Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.
Benefits include:
Competitive compensation with equity
13 Company-wide Holidays
Flexible vacation days
10 sick days
Generous parental leave policy
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with employer matching
Professional growth opportunities
Team-building activities
At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we're eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.
We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.
This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, "Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.

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