ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Combustion Cfd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$170K - $185K/yr

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 ...

NORTH WIND SYSTEMS LLC

Aero/Thermal Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Understanding of wind tunnel low to supersonic airflows, heat exchanger, combustion, CFD, hot wire anemometry, optical measurement methods (such as shadow-graph, Schlieren, PSP, PIV, LDV) or other ...

Arbor Energy

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 ...

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$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 ...

Firehawk Aerospace Inc

Ballistician

Addison, TX · On-site

... combustion CFD * Master's or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or civil engineering with a focus on composite material systems * Experience coupling the internal flow field of the rocket motor to the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCombustion Cfd Jobs

Combustion Cfd information

See salary details

$11K

$93K

$132K

How much do combustion cfd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion cfd 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 the difference between Combustion Cfd vs Combustion Engineer?

AspectCombustion CfdCombustion Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, CFD software proficiencyEngineering degree, combustion process knowledge
Work EnvironmentSimulation labs, software developmentIndustrial plants, research facilities
Industry UsageDesigning and analyzing combustion systems via simulationsDesign, testing, and optimizing combustion systems

Combustion Cfd specialists focus on using computational fluid dynamics software to simulate combustion processes, while Combustion Engineers apply practical engineering principles to design and improve combustion systems. Both roles require a strong engineering background, but Combustion Cfd emphasizes simulation skills, whereas Combustion Engineers focus on real-world application and system optimization.

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

To thrive as a Combustion CFD Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and typically a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software like ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM, along with programming skills in Python or MATLAB, is usually required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately modeling complex combustion processes and delivering innovative solutions in energy and propulsion systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Combustion CFD Engineer during project simulations?

Combustion CFD Engineers often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling complex chemical reactions and turbulence interactions, which are critical for realistic simulation results. Balancing computational cost with simulation accuracy is a common task, as high-fidelity models require significant processing time. Additionally, integrating experimental data for model validation and working closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as mechanical engineers and experimentalists—are key parts of the role. These challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and foster strong problem-solving skills within a collaborative environment.

What are Combustion CFD engineers?

Combustion CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) engineers are specialists who use computational methods to simulate and analyze the behavior of combustion processes in various systems, such as engines, furnaces, and turbines. They develop and apply mathematical models to study how fuel and oxidizer mix, burn, and interact with fluid flows under different conditions. Their work helps optimize combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve the overall design of combustion systems. These engineers often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.
More about Combustion Cfd jobs
What states have the most Combustion Cfd jobs? States with the most job openings for Combustion Cfd jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Combustion Cfd jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Combustion Cfd jobs are:
Combustion Cfd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Cfd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Lead Combustion Engineer

Lead Combustion Engineer

Arbor Energy

El Segundo, CA

$170K - $185K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

Our Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket-inspired, high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems - integral in delivering carbon-neutral and carbon-negative power cycles at scale. 

In this leadership role, you'll own the combustion subsystem, guiding a talented team through end-to-end development of breakthrough, high-efficiency devices in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. You'll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through hands-on testing, rapid iteration, and performance validation, establishing the technical direction that powers a sustainable future. 

You'll mentor junior engineers, align cross-functional efforts with test, analysis, and design teams, and make critical trade-off decisions to accelerate progress while pushing the boundaries of efficiency and reliability. 

This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office. 

Responsibilities
  • Serve as technical lead for oxy-fuel combustion systems: own architecture, clean-sheet design, rigorous analysis, and delivery of breakthrough performance 
  • Define and lead high-pressure/high-temperature test campaigns-from planning and execution through in-depth data analysis and actionable recommendations 
  • Direct system configuration trades and performance optimization to achieve maximum efficiency, reliability, and scalability 
  • Own rapid hardware development cycles-from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements 
  • Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten timelines and enable innovation 
  • Mentor team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement design upgrades that elevate system capability 
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
  • Deep expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and combustion
  • Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment
  • Strong leadership presence with experience mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams  
  • Demonstrated ability to own product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation
  • Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset-thrives in ambiguity and drives progress relentlessly 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering 
  • Direct experience leading hot-fire testing campaigns in rocket propulsion, gas turbines, or similar environments 
  • Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.) 
  • Prior success in startup or fast-paced hardware development environments 
Benefits & Compensation
  • Pre-IPO stock options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
  • Basic life insurance fully covered
  • Health savings account (HSA) with matching
  • Flexible savings account (FSA)
  • Unlimited PTO 
  • 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! 
  • 401(k)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • And more!
Base Pay: $170,000 - $185,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

Apply