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Contract Cfd Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Type One Energy

Mechanical Design Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$72K - $98K/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 ...

Type One Energy

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 ...

All JobsContract Cfd Engineer JobsContract Cfd Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Contract Cfd Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$10.5K

$88.9K

$126.2K

How much do contract cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract cfd engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $88,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or executive roles. High compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.

Are CFD engineers in demand?

CFD engineers are in demand in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, where computational fluid dynamics simulations are essential for product design and optimization. The role often requires proficiency with simulation software like ANSYS or OpenFOAM and a strong background in fluid mechanics and engineering principles. Job growth is driven by increasing reliance on simulation for cost-effective and efficient development processes.

Will AI replace CFD engineers?

AI can assist CFD engineers by automating routine tasks and improving simulation efficiency, but it is unlikely to fully replace the role. CFD engineering requires specialized knowledge, problem-solving skills, and interpretation of results that currently depend on human expertise. Professionals in this field will continue to adapt by integrating AI tools into their workflows.

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 is a Contract CFD Engineer job?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.
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Contract Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cfd Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,926 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Type One Energy

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Join us in our mission to commercialize fusion energy
About Type One Energy
Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies.
If you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a " Mechanical Design Engineer". This is what you need to know:
Location: Knoxville, TN or Vancouver BC
Salary: Highly Competitive Plus Benefits
Contract: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: Engineering Resource Manager
Your role in the mission:
Type One Energy are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with first of a kind design and integration skills.
The primary function of this position is to provide conceptual, preliminary and final design of systems and components for our stellarator fusion power plants. The Mechanical Design Engineer will work of a variety of projects and systems including vacuum vessels, divertors and plasma facing components.
Responsibilities will also focus on complex concept design development and optimization, which may include developing/reviewing CAD and engineering drawings, performing engineering analysis, designing of experiments and performing laboratory testing and evaluation, design reviews and TRL assessments.
Other responsibilities include:
  • Translating design requirements into functional stellarator components and systems.
  • Develop system and component designs and associated technical specifications for our stellarator systems.
  • Develop and validate Finite Element (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models using ANSYS, COMSOL, and other tools.
  • Analyze and align the interface requirements between and among stellarator systems.
  • Analyze and interpret simulation results to deliver actionable insights for design optimization and performance improvement.
  • Develop procurement packages.
  • Resole any technical questions which may occur during the fabrication efforts.

What you'll need:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline, Master's degree is preferred.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Must be eligible for registration as an Engineer-in-Training with the Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C (EGBC) (For Canadian applications only)
  • Expert in mechanical design principles, failure modes, and lifecycle reliability.
  • Demonstrated experience in engineering analysis using software's such as ANSYS or COMSOL
  • Skilled in balancing trade-offs across performance, manufacturability, and regulation.
  • Experience with design of first of a kind components.
  • Familiarity with Computer Aided Design and Analysis software
  • Experience with design of fusion energy systems and equipment is desirable
  • Experience with Siemens NX CAD software is highly desirable.
  • Experience operating within a PDM environment in CAD

Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Our FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest-risk, shortest-schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy.
Type One Energy is committed to community engagement in the development and deployment of its clean energy technology. For more information, visit www.typeoneenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Type One Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, searching for the best new ideas and remaining open to unique perspectives. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment independent of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

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