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Cfd Simulation Openfoam Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aerodynamics Intern (Spring 2027)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

You will learn to use a variety of tools - from low fidelity calculations, through CFD simulation ... Fluent, OpenFOAM, or PowerFLOW * Wind tunnel test identification, planning, execution ...

Integrate external tools such as CAD software, simulation backends (e.g., OpenFOAM), and data ... Experience integrating with scientific software (e.g., CAD, FEA, CFD tools) * Exposure to agent ...

Integrate external tools such as CAD software, simulation backends (e.g., OpenFOAM), and data ... Experience integrating with scientific software (e.g., CAD, FEA, CFD tools) * Exposure to agent ...

Stand up the CFD pipeline from zero: tool selection, meshing strategy, turbulence model defaults ... Meshing and solver fluency in at least one of Star-CCM+, OVERFLOW, Cart3D, SU2, or OpenFOAM.

Stand up the CFD pipeline from zero: tool selection, meshing strategy, turbulence model defaults ... Meshing and solver fluency in at least one of Star-CCM+, OVERFLOW, Cart3D, SU2, or OpenFOAM.

Showing results 41-60

Cfd Simulation Openfoam information

What is CFD simulation with OpenFOAM?

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation with OpenFOAM involves using the open-source OpenFOAM software to analyze and predict fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical phenomena. OpenFOAM provides a suite of solvers and utilities for solving complex fluid dynamics problems in engineering and research. Users can customize and extend its capabilities through programming, making it a popular choice for both academic and industrial applications. The software supports simulations in areas such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, chemical reactions, and multiphase flows.

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

To thrive as a CFD Simulation Engineer with OpenFOAM, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, numerical methods, and a relevant engineering or physics degree. Proficiency with OpenFOAM software, scripting languages (like Python or Bash), and familiarity with Linux environments are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you interpret results and collaborate on multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate simulations, efficient workflow, and actionable insights for engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced when running CFD simulations with OpenFOAM, and how can they be addressed?

A common challenge in running CFD simulations with OpenFOAM is ensuring mesh quality and convergence, as poor mesh or inappropriate boundary conditions can lead to inaccurate results or simulation failures. New users often encounter difficulties in setting up complex case files and understanding solver settings. To address these issues, it's important to familiarize yourself with OpenFOAM's documentation, leverage community forums, and start with simpler cases before advancing to more complex simulations. Collaborating with experienced team members or mentors can also be invaluable for troubleshooting and learning best practices.

What is the difference between Cfd Simulation Openfoam vs Cfd Engineer?

AspectCfd Simulation OpenfoamCfd Engineer
CredentialsKnowledge of OpenFOAM, engineering backgroundEngineering degree, CFD software skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, academiaDesign firms, manufacturing, aerospace
Industry UsageSimulation development, research projectsDesign optimization, product testing

While Cfd Simulation Openfoam focuses on using and developing CFD simulations with OpenFOAM software, a Cfd Engineer applies CFD tools like OpenFOAM in practical engineering projects. The former is more research-oriented, whereas the latter emphasizes application and design optimization in industry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Cfd Simulation Openfoam job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Aerodynamics Intern (Spring 2027)

Zipline

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work on vehicle design analysis including aerodynamics, propulsion, and power system performance.

  • Perform low- and high-fidelity analytical modeling of vehicle subsystems and behaviors.

  • Plan, execute, and analyze experiments such as wind tunnel tests and flight tests.


Job description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world's largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products. 

Our customers include the world's largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About the Applied Aerodynamics Team

Without the Aerodynamics team, the Zipline drones would not fly!  This team is responsible for the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft, from high-level aeronautical considerations down to the detailed surface design.  We work on everything from the body and propellers to vehicle dynamics and aeroacoustics, and in order to ensure our product is successful we collaborate strongly with almost every other engineering team, including GNC, structures, mechanical integration, avionics, perception, systems, weather and others.

The Role

As an intern in the Aerodynamics Team you can expect to work on any one of our current open projects alongside our world-class aerodynamicists and aeronautical engineers, both learning from their experience and bringing your own perspective to the tasks.  This is an opportunity to test the skills and knowledge you've learned at school in a practical and fast-paced environment, where we leverage our understanding of physics to solve real problems.  You will learn to use a variety of tools - from low fidelity calculations, through CFD simulation to experimental analysis - to help drive the design of our current and future products forward. 

What You'll Do

  • Vehicle design analysis including aerodynamics, propulsion, and power system performance.  
  • Low- and high-fidelity analytical modeling of vehicle subsystems and behaviors
  • Aerodynamic database generation and building analysis of flight behaviors
  • Experiment planning, execution and data analysis, from wind tunnels to flight tests
  • Support multidisciplinary team including controls, mechanical, production, software, and electrical engineers to tackle design challenges and resolve time-sensitive issues
What You'll Bring
  • You will be studying one or more of the following areas: fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, flight physics, aeronautical engineering, acoustics.  A strong understanding of the technical content of these courses is the most valuable asset you will bring, and will help you exercise good engineering judgment.
  • Understanding and experience with any of the following toolsets is advantageous.  If you have not used the tool before, we'll teach you to use it where needed.
    • Continuum- or Lattice Boltzmann-based computational fluid dynamics, such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or PowerFLOW
    • Wind tunnel test identification, planning, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis using a variety of electro-mechanical and optical diagnostic techniques
    • Flight test planning for system identification and simulation validation, cross functional planning, test execution, and data analysis
    • MATLAB, Python, Rust, or similar software tools
    • CAD advanced surfacing tools, such as CATIA or NX
  • To be maximally effective we will need you to work in our head office in South San Francisco.  For certain testing programs, limited travel (within California) may be required.
What Else You Should Know

Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office. We will host our Spring 2027 interns from January to April/May. 

Candidates are limited to three (3) applications within a 30-day period.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

Zipline is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your point of contact at Zipline know if you require any accommodations throughout your interview process.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline 's Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.