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Contract Cfd Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Exposure to drafting and analysis tools such as CREO, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CFD/FEA packages, and/or ... of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$85K - $118K/yr

Highly Competitive Plus Benefits Contract: Permanent, full time Reporting to: Engineering Resource ... Develop and validate Finite Element (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models using ANSYS ...

Contract Cfd Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$10K

$84.4K

$119.8K

How much do contract cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract cfd engineer in Tennessee is $84,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,600.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract CFD engineer?

A Contract CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Engineer is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physics using simulation software. They typically work in industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing to optimize designs and improve performance. Contract CFD Engineers use tools like ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or STAR-CCM+ to create and analyze simulations. Their role involves setting up computational models, validating results, and providing insights to improve product efficiency. Since they work on a contract basis, they may manage multiple projects for different clients or companies.

What are some typical challenges contract CFD engineers face and how can they be managed?

Contract CFD Engineers often face the challenge of efficiently onboarding to new projects and quickly understanding unique client requirements and simulation objectives. They may also need to balance tight deadlines with the need for precise modeling and interpretation of complex fluid phenomena. Clear communication with clients, solid project management skills, and ongoing professional development in new simulation techniques can help you manage these challenges effectively. Staying adaptable and proactive enables contract engineers to deliver high-quality results and build strong client relationships, leading to continued contract opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract CFD engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract CFD Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and numerical analysis, often backed by a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Proficiency in industry-standard CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM, as well as experience with CAD and meshing tools, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision help you stand out in contract-based roles. These skills and qualities ensure you can deliver accurate, timely simulation results while efficiently managing specific project deliverables for various clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfd Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Cfd Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Contract Cfd Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Contract Cfd Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Cfd Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,422 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support our client in a direct role! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, TN.


Responsibilities



  • Support the design, modification, and layout of facility piping systems, performing crucial component sizing for pumps, motors, heaters, blowers, valves, and pressure vessels.


  • Create, update, and redline mechanical/piping drawings, plans, and specifications, ensuring all work complies with code and industry standards.


  • Perform pressure-drop, flow, and basic thermal calculations; assist with steady-state and transient analyses using CFD, FEA, or spreadsheet tools.


  • Conduct pipe-stress and support-structure checks, documenting results for review, and actively participate in hazard analyses, safety reviews, and quality assurance.


  • Prepare ROMs, equipment lists, and technical evaluations to support procurement.


  • Get hands-on with factory acceptance tests, field inspections, and system troubleshooting under the guidance of senior staff.



Requirements



  • Education & Years of Experience – Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) from an accredited institution and 2+ years of relevant experience; additional, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.


  • Citizenship – To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.


  • Clearance – To be considered, you must be able to obtain and maintain a government issued clearance, if needed.


  • Relevant training such as ASME code familiarization, piping-stress fundamentals, and OSHA or comparable safety coursework is encouraged.


  • 2+ years of hands-on experience as a mechanical designer, technician, or early-career engineer focused on piping, fluid systems, or process equipment in industrial settings.


  • Must have CREO pipe/tool design experience.


  • Practical experience supporting equipment sizing and selection for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and related mechanical components.


  • Familiarity with pressure-drop calculations, pipe-stress concepts, and basic structural checks.


  • Working knowledge of relevant codes and standards such as ASME and applicable welding procedures; familiarity with industrial safety expectations.



Desired Skills



  • Exposure to drafting and analysis tools such as CREO, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CFD/FEA packages, and/or piping-stress software is preferred.


  • Experience in regulated or process industries (chemical, oil & gas, water/wastewater, manufacturing, or similar).



ABOUT GEM

GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:



  • Our philosophy – We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.


  • Our relationships – Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.


  • Our team – We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.


  • Our community involvement – Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.



COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

GEM’s offered compensation is dependent on candidates’ education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee’s needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.


Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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