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Cfd Simulation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$161K - $221K/yr

Successful candidates will have a background in DSMC simulation or familiarity with multi-physics ... Engineering, or an equivalent field. * Experience modifying CFD solvers or coupling them for multi ...

JetZero

Senior Aerodynamics Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$195K - $220K/yr

Conduct CFD simulations to assess aerodynamic performance under various conditions. * Develop ... Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field ...

Phihong USA Corp

Thermal Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

... CFD) simulation tool, and 3D & 2D CAD modeling tools. * Facilitate with the R&D team in planning ... Work with product engineer to optimize the thermal solution and go through qualification process to ...

Radiant Industries

Senior Thermal Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$139K - $224K/yr

Identify and implement CFD simulation best practices * Build automated workflows to expand ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or similar field from an accredited institution. * 5+ ...

Radiant

Senior Thermal Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$139K - $224K/yr

Identify and implement CFD simulation best practices * Build automated workflows to expand ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or similar field from an accredited institution. * 5+ ...

Radiant

Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$139K - $224K/yr

Identify and implement CFD simulation best practices * Build automated workflows to expand ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or similar field from an accredited institution. * 5+ ...

Radiant

Senior Thermal Modeling Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$139K - $224K/yr

Identify and implement CFD simulation best practices. * Build automated workflows to expand ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or similar field from an accredited institution. * 5+ ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer, Simulation

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Software Engineer for their NDE & Materials Software team to develop and enhance ... CFD tools, meshing software, and CAD platforms for multiphysics simulations; contribute to ...

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All JobsCfd Simulation Engineer JobsCfd Simulation Engineer Jobs in California

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 Jun 9, 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 are CFD Simulation Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,796 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation

Mach Industries

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Mach Industries
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
The Role
Mach Industries is seeking a GNC Engineer, Modeling & Simulation to design, build, and maintain high-fidelity aircraft simulation environments in support of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) development. You will be responsible for realizing equations of motion in software, developing and validating aerodynamic and plant models, and creating the simulation infrastructure required for both software-in-the-loop (SITL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing.
This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of physics-based modeling, software development, and systems integration. You'll collaborate closely with aerodynamicists, controls engineers, and hardware teams to ensure Mach's autonomous platforms are accurately modeled and rigorously tested before flight.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity flight dynamics and vehicle simulation models.
  • Implement equations of motion in C++ and Python for real-time and offline simulation environments.
  • Collaborate with the aerodynamics team to incorporate aerodynamic models derived from CFD and wind tunnel testing.
  • Perform system identification and parameter estimation to generate accurate plant models.
  • Build and sustain simulation infrastructure supporting GNC verification and validation in SITL and HITL environments.
  • Develop test harnesses, logging frameworks, and automated validation tools for simulation assets.
  • Integrate with CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous simulation regression testing and model integrity.
  • Document and maintain model assumptions, configurations, and validation results.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.
  • 3+ years of experience developing and deploying navigation or simulation systems.
  • Proficiency in C++ and Python, with strong understanding of software design for simulation environments.
  • Experience using modern software development tools such as Git and Jira.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD strategies and tools for code integration and automated testing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience modeling fixed-wing aircraft dynamics and control systems.
  • Deep understanding of atmospheric flight kinematics and aerodynamics.
  • Familiarity with satellite constellation modeling or orbital mechanics.
  • Experience with radar seeker modeling and sensor integration.
  • Background in real-time systems or embedded simulation environments.

Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you'd like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

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