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Computational Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Computational Engineer information

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$44K

$110.3K

$124.8K

How much do computational engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for computational engineer in Tennessee is $110,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Computational Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, C++, or MATLAB), experience with simulation software (like ANSYS or COMSOL), and familiarity with high-performance computing environments are essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set top performers apart in this field. These skills are crucial for developing accurate models, optimizing complex systems, and effectively collaborating in multidisciplinary teams.

What is a computational engineer?

A computational engineer is a professional who uses advanced computing techniques and mathematical models to solve complex engineering problems. They develop simulations, algorithms, and software to analyze and optimize systems in fields such as aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, and more. Their work often involves programming, data analysis, and applying principles from physics and mathematics to create efficient solutions. Computational engineers bridge the gap between traditional engineering and computer science, enabling innovation through technology.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and energy sectors.

How does a Computational Engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects?

Computational Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines such as mechanical engineers, data scientists, and software developers. Effective collaboration often involves translating engineering problems into computational models, communicating technical requirements, and integrating simulation results into broader project workflows. Regular meetings, shared documentation, and collaborative software tools are commonly used to ensure alignment and progress. This team-based approach helps deliver accurate and actionable insights for product design, optimization, or research objectives.

Can a computer engineer make $500,000?

Computer engineers can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior roles, specialized fields like hardware design or cybersecurity, or in high-paying industries such as finance or technology. Achieving this level often requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or stock options.

What do computational engineers do?

Computational engineers develop and apply mathematical models, algorithms, and simulations to solve complex engineering problems. They often use programming languages and software tools to analyze data, optimize systems, and support design processes across various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and energy sectors.

What is the difference between Computational Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectComputational EngineerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; knowledge of programming and numerical methodsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields; strong programming skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, tech companies; often involves simulation and modelingTech companies, startups, software firms; focuses on application development and system design
Industry UsageEngineering, aerospace, automotive, scientific researchIT, software development, technology services

Computational Engineers and Software Engineers share programming skills and work in tech-related environments. However, Computational Engineers focus more on applying computational methods to engineering problems, simulations, and modeling, while Software Engineers primarily develop software applications and systems. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds but serve different industry needs.

Infographic showing various Computational Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,289 per year, or $53 per hour.
Software Application Engineer

Software Application Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16824
Overview:
The Multiphysics Modeling and Flows (MMF) Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division is seeking a software application engineer with expertise in computational mesh generation to generate validated computational results that are used for large-scale, physics-based simulations for variety of applications.
Our Group:
MMF is a computational multiphysics modeling group at the forefront of deploying novel computational engineering techniques for problems that are critical to U.S. national and energy security. We utilize our expertise in numerical discretization techniques, high performance computing, mesh generation, and geometry representation for a wide variety of physics applications. Our intention is to integrate computational modeling with experimental methods and provide innovative solutions for technology growth. We aspire to help generate technical artifacts (patents) as well as scientific artifacts (journal articles).
Almost all of our simulation codes require a mesh to discretize the spatial domain of interest. For some applications, generating this mesh has historically been a labor-intensive process because it is shown to be a leading driver of computational accuracy. As a result, for certain use cases of interest to ORNL, we are in need of an applications engineer capable of generating meshes and accurate solutions to complex problems.
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation's biggest problems. With a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people, ORNL's decadal vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL's broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.
What does our ideal teammate look like and what will you be doing?
In this role, you will be responsible for working with subject matter experts to understand and refine new CFD application and/or CFD discretization techniques and then lead the implementation of these techniques into large-scale, automatic computational work-flows with particular attention paid to computational accuracy. It is expected that there will be an initial focus on unstructured CFD discretization and conformal mesh generation techniques for applications requiring boundary-layer (i.e., large aspect ratio) meshing capabilities. Additional application methods of interest include adaptive meshing for design/shape optimization as well as solution optimization.
In addition to software development/application, you will also engage with the broader community of industry, national labs, and academic partners to understand and advance the state-of-the-art in CFD applications and work-flows.
Basic Qualifications:
  • An MS in mathematics, computer science, engineering or a related field or a PhD in mathematics, computer science, engineering with relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
The following are a list of preferred qualifications, but not required.
  • Experience with mesh generation/CFD applications for unstructured meshes and/or finite element methods
  • Experience with CFD discretization techniques for unstructured meshes and/or finite elements with an emphasis on highly scalable algorithms for exascale HPC environments
  • Experience with parallel computing environments, HPC in a Linux environment
  • Experience with surrogate modeling
  • Experience with data analytics techniques
  • Familiarity with C++ and GPU programming
  • Familiarity with Python programming
  • Experience with modern software development practices to ensure code quality
  • Experience with computational geometry
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment

Special Requirements:
  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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