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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Regional Sales Manager
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
... combustion research and testing facilities. Zeeco subsidiaries reside in Plainville Connecticut, USA, Houston Texas, USA, United Kingdom, South Korea, India, Brazil, China, Mexico, Singapore, Saudi ...
Regional Sales Manager
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
... combustion research and testing facilities. Zeeco subsidiaries reside in Plainville Connecticut, USA, Houston Texas, USA, United Kingdom, South Korea, India, Brazil, China, Mexico, Singapore, Saudi ...
NC · On-site
$60K - $84K/yr
The ideal candidate is eager to take ownership of complex projects and contribute to impactful environmental and combustion research. The successful candidate will initially focus on hands-on ...
The ideal candidate is eager to take ownership of complex projects and contribute to impactful environmental and combustion research. The successful candidate will initially focus on hands-on ...
Quick apply
Regional Sales Manager
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
... combustion research and testing facilities. Zeeco subsidiaries reside in Plainville Connecticut, USA, Houston Texas, USA, United Kingdom, South Korea, India, Brazil, China, Mexico, Singapore, Saudi ...
Regional Sales Manager
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
... combustion research and testing facilities. Zeeco subsidiaries reside in Plainville Connecticut, USA, Houston Texas, USA, United Kingdom, South Korea, India, Brazil, China, Mexico, Singapore, Saudi ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of industrial heat and power, liquid propulsion, gas turbine combustion, and air-breathing propulsion. Our ...
Combustion Research information
See salary details
$22.60 - $26.46
1% of jobs
$26.46 - $30.33
5% of jobs
$30.33 - $34.20
6% of jobs
$37.99 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$34.20 - $38.07
13% of jobs
$38.07 - $41.94
17% of jobs
The median wage is $43.20 / hr.
$41.94 - $45.80
24% of jobs
$48.46 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$45.80 - $49.67
13% of jobs
$49.67 - $53.54
6% of jobs
$53.54 - $57.41
5% of jobs
$57.41 - $61.28
3% of jobs
$61.28 - $65.14
6% of jobs
$22
$45
$65
How much do combustion research jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for combustion research in the United States is $45.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $50.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a Combustion Research job?
A Combustion Research job involves studying the chemical and physical processes of combustion to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance safety in various applications. Researchers in this field work on engines, industrial burners, gas turbines, and alternative fuels. They use experimental methods and computational models to analyze combustion behavior. The role is common in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and environmental science.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Combustion Research position, and why are they important?
To excel in Combustion Research, a strong background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related scientific field is essential, along with experience in thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, combustion modeling software, and safety protocols—often supported by advanced degrees or certifications—is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills that facilitate problem-solving and collaboration. These skills collectively enable researchers to develop innovative solutions while maintaining safety and efficiency in complex research environments.
What are some common challenges faced in a Combustion Research position?
Professionals in Combustion Research often encounter complex challenges such as accurately modeling combustion processes, ensuring experimental safety, and interpreting intricate data sets. The role typically involves working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team that may include engineers, chemists, and project managers. Staying current with advances in environmental regulations and new combustion technologies can also be demanding, but it is essential for ongoing innovation. Overcoming these challenges offers valuable experience, the opportunity to contribute to cleaner energy solutions, and potential pathways to senior research or leadership positions.
More about Combustion Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Combustion Research jobs? The most popular types of Combustion Research jobs are:
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RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Combustion Engineer
Southwest Research Institute - FulltimeSan Antonio, TX
$94K - $129K/yr
Full-time
Posted 4 days ago
Southwest Research Institute rating
8.8
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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About Southwest Research Institute
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Industry
Scientific research and development services
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
San Antonio, TX, US