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Computational Mechanics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nonlinear Computational Analysis Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$130K - $154K/yr

You will support design and assessment efforts for complex mechanical systems and structures using ... These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering ...

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Computational Mechanics Engineer information

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$48.5K

$121.5K

$137.5K

How much do computational mechanics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for computational mechanics engineer in the United States is $121,515.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or management roles.

What types of projects or industries do Computational Mechanics Engineers typically work on?

Computational Mechanics Engineers frequently work on projects related to structural analysis, fluid dynamics, thermal simulations, and material modeling across industries such as aerospace, automotive, civil infrastructure, and energy. On a daily basis, they may simulate how materials and structures respond to real-world forces, optimize designs for performance and safety, and interpret simulation data to support engineering decisions. These engineers often collaborate closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams to integrate computational insights into practical solutions. Exposure to varied industries and project types not only enhances expertise but also opens up diverse career advancement opportunities within the field.

What is the highest paying field in mechanical engineering?

In mechanical engineering, the highest paying fields typically include roles in aerospace, petroleum, and nuclear engineering, as well as positions involving advanced research, management, or specialized skills like finite element analysis and CAD software. Engineers working in these areas often require advanced degrees and certifications, and salaries can vary based on experience and location.

What is computational mechanical engineering?

Computational mechanical engineering is a field that uses computer simulations and numerical methods to analyze and solve problems in mechanics, such as stress analysis, fluid dynamics, and material behavior. Professionals in this field often utilize software like finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to design and optimize mechanical systems. Strong programming skills and knowledge of physics are essential for success in this role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Computational Mechanics Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computational Mechanics Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering mechanics, mathematics, and numerical methods, usually complemented by a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering. Proficiency with simulation software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL, and familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication are key soft skills in this role. These competencies enable engineers to accurately model complex physical phenomena, work efficiently with multidisciplinary teams, and deliver reliable solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

What is a Computational Mechanics Engineer job?

A Computational Mechanics Engineer applies numerical methods and computational tools to analyze and solve mechanical and structural problems. They use finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and other simulation techniques to optimize designs, predict performance, and improve product efficiency. These engineers work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and biomedical engineering, ensuring that structures and mechanical systems meet safety and performance standards. Their role often involves coding, mathematical modeling, and working with specialized engineering software.

More about Computational Mechanics Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computational Mechanics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Computational Mechanics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Computational Mechanics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Computational Mechanics Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Computational Mechanics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,515 per year, or $58.4 per hour.
Early Career R&D Mechanical Engineer - Computational Solid Mechanics, Onsite

Early Career R&D Mechanical Engineer - Computational Solid Mechanics, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$102K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
What Your Job Will Be Like
The Solid Mechanics Department (1554) applies its expertise in computational solid mechanics to provide the best engineering solutions to our customers. A principal activity is the application of advanced computational mechanics finite-element programs, including SNL developed codes running on massively parallel computers. The department has expertise in complex material response, large deformation mechanics and system level analyses of quasi-static and transient dynamic events.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Apply principles of solid mechanics and use of advanced computational finite-element methods to provide engineering solutions.
  • Conduct predictions of complex, nonlinear material behavior from deformation to failure in multi-physics environments, and full-system scale finite element modeling of transient dynamic events (e.g. crash, crush and impact).
  • Collaborate closely with other computational and experimental mechanics specialists.
  • Partner with staff in the multi-physics code development teams to drive technical innovation to robust predictive capabilities.
  • Work with internal customers on technical details of projects, discussing simulation results, and negotiating deliverables.
    Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite.

Salary Range
$102,400 - $199,700
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer candidate will in addition possess the following:
  • Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Also for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
  • Graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • Extensive experience performing mechanical/structural finite element analyses and strong finite element analysis fundamentals and knowledge to include element selection, contact, material/constitutive model selection, and element failure criteria
  • Solid experience meshing geometric models for use in finite element analyses including complex geometries
  • Experience with nonlinear computational mechanics including large to extreme deformation solid mechanics
  • Experience with Sierra Solid Mechanics and/or commercial large-scale finite element software
  • Experience with high-performance scientific computing and scripting with Python, MATLAB, or other similar coding languages
  • Experience with multi-physics (e.g. thermal, mechanical, shock) computational mechanics
  • Experience in independent research and proposal development
  • Active DOE Q security clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Sigma 15 access, which may require a polygraph.

About Our Team
The Solid Mechanics Department applies its expertise in computational solid mechanics to provide the best engineering solutions to our customers. A principal activity is the application of advanced computational mechanics finite-element programs, including SNL developed codes running on massively parallel computers. The department has expertise in complex material response, large deformation mechanics and system level analyses of quasi-static and transient dynamic events.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.