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Combustion Cfd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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How much do combustion cfd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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:
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Combustion Cfd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Cfd job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote 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 - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 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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