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Combustion Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Overview Our Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket ... Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten ...

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal ... Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten ...

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Combustion Cfd Engineer information

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$11K

$93K

$132K

How much do combustion cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion 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 are the typical responsibilities of a Combustion CFD Engineer on a project team?

As a Combustion CFD Engineer, your typical responsibilities include developing and validating computational models of combustion systems, running simulations to analyze fluid flow and heat transfer, and interpreting results to optimize system performance. You’ll often collaborate with design engineers, experimentalists, and project managers to integrate simulation findings into real-world product development. Additionally, preparing technical reports, presenting results to stakeholders, and staying updated with the latest advancements in CFD software are regular parts of the role. This position provides opportunities to contribute to innovative projects in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Combustion Cfd Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combustion CFD Engineer, you need strong expertise in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion theory, and computational modeling, usually built on an advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Proficiency with CFD software platforms such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM, along with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB), is essential, and certifications in these tools are often valued. Effective problem-solving, communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are key soft skills. These competencies enable accurate simulations, successful project delivery, and clear communication of complex results to multidisciplinary teams.

What is a Combustion CFD Engineer job?

A Combustion CFD Engineer specializes in using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze and optimize combustion processes in engines, turbines, boilers, and other combustion systems. They model fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance performance. This role requires expertise in CFD software, thermodynamics, and combustion physics, often working closely with design and research teams to develop cleaner and more efficient technologies.

More about Combustion Cfd Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Combustion Cfd Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Combustion Cfd Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Combustion Cfd Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Combustion Engineer

RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Combustion Engineer

Southwest Research Institute - Fulltime

San Antonio, TX

$94K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Southwest Research Institute rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 56 rated research


Job description

Who We Are: The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of gas turbine combustion, air-breathing propulsion, industrial heat and power, and liquid propulsion. Our technologies are powering a cleaner future and advancing state-of-the-art propulsion systems for air and space flight. Objectives of this Role: Support the development, analysis, and testing of power generation and propulsion systems, with a specific focus on combustion applications.

Engage in the development of advanced computational models to explore complex combustion phenomena, contributing to cutting-edge research in thermofluids, power generation, and propulsion systems. Utilize expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, and combustion processes to optimize designs and improve performance in power generation and propulsion systems. Leverage state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, including Ansys Fluent, Converge, and OpenFOAM to simulate flow conditions and analyze combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems.

Integrate experimental insights with simulation data to validate models and develop predictive capabilities for combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems operating under extreme conditions. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Provide cross-disciplinary support to multiple projects within the field of combustion, focusing mainly on computational tasks. Conduct design, optimization, and validation of combustion processes using CFD.

Contribute to the design of combustion processes for power generation and propulsion systems. Assist in executing experimental test campaigns, including data acquisition, processing, and analysis, to support model validation. Be a problem solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in developing approaches to address a wide range of technical challenges.

Requirements: Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering degree. 5 years relevant professional experience required with Bachelors degree, 3 years relevant professional experience required with Masters degree, and 1 year of related experience required with PhD. 1-5 years: Demonstrated experience in CFD simulations of thermofluids and combustion processes.

Experience with supersonic and/or hypersonic flow simulations is preferred but not required. 1-5 years: Experience in computationally-aided design of propulsion and power generation systems. Experience in designing system components is also valued.

1-5 years: Demonstrated proficiency in using CFD software such as Ansys Fluent, Converge, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM for simulating and analyzing combustion processes. Experience with additional simulation tools is preferred but not required. Experimental experience with combustion processes and mechanical design is highly desirable but not mandatory.

MS or PhD degrees in engineering are preferred, but not required. Relevant degrees will also be considered. A valid/clear driver's license is required.


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