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Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$38.1K

$120.7K

$186.3K

How much do entry level cfd simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cfd simulation engineer in State College, PA is $120,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $143,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level CFD simulation engineers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry Level CFD Simulation Engineers often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex simulation results, learning to use advanced CFD software tools, and ensuring the accuracy of their models. Collaborating closely with senior engineers and participating in regular team reviews can help address these issues. Additionally, proactive learning, seeking feedback, and staying updated with the latest computational techniques are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and growing professionally in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Cfd Simulation EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering; knowledge of CFD softwareBachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; CAD software proficiency
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, simulation centersDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D departments
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, energy sectors focusing on fluid dynamicsConsumer products, machinery, automotive industries focusing on product design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer primarily focuses on fluid dynamics simulations using CFD software, often in research or development settings. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on creating and testing mechanical components and systems through CAD tools. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, CFD engineers emphasize simulation skills, whereas design engineers focus on physical product development.

What does an entry level CFD simulation engineer do?

An Entry Level CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Simulation Engineer assists in creating and running simulations to analyze how fluids (liquids and gases) behave in different environments, such as inside engines, pipes, or around vehicles. They use specialized software to model fluid flow, temperature, and related physical phenomena, helping engineers optimize designs for efficiency and safety. Their work often includes preparing geometry, setting up simulations, analyzing results, and documenting findings under the supervision of more experienced engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level CFD simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level CFD Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and numerical methods, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering fields. Familiarity with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or STAR-CCM+, as well as proficiency in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly are standout soft skills. These competencies are essential for accurately modeling physical phenomena, interpreting simulation data, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in State College, PA? The most popular types of Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in State College, PA? For Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in State College, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cfd Simulation Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,684 per year, or $58 per hour.

Postdoc Position in Hydraulic Modeling

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University has a Postdoctoral Scholar opening starting in July 2026 (starting date negotiable, but preference will be given to candidates who can start at this time).
This position is funded through a project to research on roadway hydraulic structure perform, such as culvert, through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and flume experiments. The product of this project will be used as a guidance for practitioners.
Job responsibility:
Under the guidance of the PI and collaborators from other university and industry, the major responsibility of the research associate is to carry out the research tasks in the project, which include literature survey, data collection, flume experiments, computational modeling, result analysis and synthesis, and report writing.
Requirements and qualifications:
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in civil engineering or related fields with a focus on hydraulics, environmental fluid mechanics, or water resources in general. The applicant must have prior experience with computational modeling and flume experiments. Experience with CFD software such as OpenFOAM is preferred, but not required.
To be considered for this position or if you need more information, please contact Dr. Xiaofeng Liu (xzl123@psu.edu). Dr. Liu's research group webpage: http://water.engr.psu.edu/liu/.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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