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Computational Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Software System Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$150K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position resides within the Quantum Computational Science Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED performs ...

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Software System Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$150K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position resides within the Quantum Computational Science Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED performs ...

BNH

Structural Dynamics Engineer

Arnold Air Force Base, TN

$73K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated technical knowledge of developing computational engineering methods and application of structural tools to engineering problems What We Offer * Competitive salaries * Continuing ...

BNH

Structural Dynamics Engineer

Arnold Air Force Base, TN · On-site

$73K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated technical knowledge of developing computational engineering methods and application of structural tools to engineering problems What We Offer * Competitive salaries * Continuing ...

BNH

Structural Dynamics Engineer

Arnold Air Force Base, TN · On-site

$73K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated technical knowledge of developing computational engineering methods and application of structural tools to engineering problems What We Offer * Competitive salaries * Continuing ...

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All JobsComputational Engineer JobsComputational Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Computational Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$44K

$110.3K

$124.8K

How much do computational engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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.

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.

How much do computational engineers make?

Computational engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in programming, simulation, or data analysis can command higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors like aerospace, defense, or technology companies.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Computational Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

For Computational Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computational Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Computational Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

Computational Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computational Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,289 per year, or $53 per hour.

Principal Computational Engineer

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 1,059 rated hospitals

Job description

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a Principal Computational Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic vision for the advanced computing environments and software ecosystems leveraged by researchers to further the St. Jude mission. This role serves as a senior technical leader within High Performance Research Computing (HPRC), partnering closely with researchers, data scientists, software engineers, and institutional stakeholders to define and execute institutional research computing strategy.
The Principal Computational Engineer will lead the design, evaluation, and implementation of scalable scientific computing solutions spanning high-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, research software engineering, data-intensive workflows, artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms, and advanced data management systems. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of the computational challenges associated with modern life science research and ideally have experience supporting research environments that facilitate bioinformatics, genomics, imaging, structural biology, computational biology, or other data-intensive scientific workflows.
As a trusted technical advisor, this individual will help research programs leverage advanced computational technologies while ensuring solutions are sustainable, secure, scalable, and aligned with institutional objectives. The role requires a unique combination of expertise in computational science, software development, research computing infrastructure, and collaborative engagement with multidisciplinary teams. The Principal Computational Engineer will guide architectural decisions, evaluate emerging technologies, mentor engineering team members, and translate complex scientific requirements into robust computational capabilities that support research across St. Jude.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide long-term, sustainable, and scalable technical vision and strategy for ongoing IS efforts to support basic science and translational research.
  • Oversee definition and execution of IS technology strategy in line with research needs.
  • Provide inputs for effective planning, analysis, and implementation of technology solutions to support basic science research.
  • Lead feasibility studies, time and cost estimates, and development and implementation of new or revised computational applications and systems.
  • Oversee implementation of security, and performance monitoring of computational software applications.
  • Provide project management guidance to teams for delivery of projects and tasks within timelines and budget, and in accordance with design specifications.
  • Guide technical management of computational and data processing applications and systems including software installation, configuration, testing, and file management.
  • Conduct continuous research and assessment of new resources and technologies available for application development in RIS and deployment.
  • Engage with the Institutional Review Board, Compliance, Internal Audit, Legal, and other regulatory entities to ensure proper protection of patient data.
  • Develop team members through formal training and mentoring activities and ensure cross-training of mid and senior members across areas of expertise/ key skill sets.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
  • Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year-specifically through the spring and fall Check-In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • Master's degree in computer science, data science, information science, mathematics, or a related field of study required.
  • PHD preferred.

Minimum Experience:
  • Minimum Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience developing, optimizing, or maintaining scientific or computational applications.
  • Demonstrated history of successfully delivering complex projects.
  • Demonstrated contribution and impact on the domain of specialty.
  • Proven success collaborating across disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects and guide team members.
  • Recognized expertise with algorithms, pipelines, or systems development.

Desired/Highly Preferred Experience:
  • Demonstrated history of supporting Research Computing Environments.
  • Experience with Bioinformatics, Bioimage, or related Life Science pieplines.
  • Experience with HPC schedulers like Slurm, LSF, and Kubernetes.

Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Shows strong skills in thinking critically with a systemic view.
  • Shows expertise in taking a structured approach to analyze and resolve issues.
  • Able to distinguish between different sets of issues, set priorities, and make decisions.
  • Can present/facilitate independently in senior-level meetings. Presents information as a structured story and anticipates questions well.
  • Addresses difficult questions and challenges effectively.
  • Able to effectively influence others using facts and logic.
  • Keeps teams energized and focused on high-quality results.
  • Thinks long-term in building and executing metrics-driven plans and stretch goals for St. Jude.
  • Builds structures and processes with clear lines of authority and accountability so teams know what they are empowered and accountable to do.
  • Is an organizational expert in parallel programming and high-performance computing using OpenMP, MPI, and Pthreads.
  • Highly skilled in UNIX/Linux scripting languages and other high-level programming languages.
  • Leverages expertise in computational algorithms and systems, HPC applications and data processing, design principles, and computational scalability and reliability, to analyze complex research needs and design/implement/adopt new algorithms/processes.
  • Provides inputs to overall strategy in identification of critical computational tools, hardware, and resources for business/research teams.
  • Proactively engages with customers to seek feedback and suggestions to deliver high quality service within own area.
  • Executes new approaches to improve customer systems and processes.
  • Independently seeks out and addresses complex customer needs.
  • Thinks holistically and plans for interdependencies and impact of work and processes with other teams within and outside of IT.
  • Always focused on quality, costs, sustainability from a complete ownership mindset and approach.
  • Demonstrates a strong collaborative style with emotional empathy and is able to work/ negotiate through challenging situation

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $114,400 - $216,320 per year for the role of Principal Computational Engineer.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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