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Experimental Fluid Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... fluid dynamics • Design and execute experiments to generate high-quality reliability and performance data, ensuring statistical rigour and relevance • Analyse experimental, field and ...

Research Scientist

Worcester, MA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Prior experience with laboratory experiments, airflow measurements, ventilation studies, or CFD ... Knowledge of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and turbulence modeling * Programming skills for data ...

Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). * Familiarity with statistical design of experiments (DOE). * Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) for mechanical stress and heat ...

Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). * Familiarity with statistical design of experiments (DOE). * Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) for mechanical stress and heat ...

... experimental results. • Conduct simulations at government facilities, contractor sites, and academic institutions as required. • Apply principles of combustion, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics ...

Showing results 41-60

Experimental Fluid Dynamics information

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$57K

$112.3K

$149.5K

How much do experimental fluid dynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for experimental fluid dynamics in the United States is $112,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is experimental fluid dynamics?

Experimental fluid dynamics is a field of study that involves investigating the behavior and movement of fluids (liquids and gases) through physical experiments and measurements. Researchers use tools like wind tunnels, water channels, and advanced sensors to observe fluid flow, analyze turbulence, and validate theoretical models. This work is crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and environmental engineering to optimize designs and ensure safety. Experimental results also help improve computational fluid dynamics simulations by providing real-world data for comparison.

What is the difference between Experimental Fluid Dynamics vs Computational Fluid Dynamics?

AspectExperimental Fluid DynamicsComputational Fluid Dynamics
CredentialsEngineering degrees, lab experienceEngineering or physics degrees, programming skills
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, wind tunnels, water channelsComputers, simulation software
Industry UsageAerospace, automotive, research institutionsAerospace, automotive, research institutions
Common Search/ComparisonExperimental Fluid Dynamics vs Computational Fluid Dynamics

Experimental Fluid Dynamics involves physical testing and measurements in labs or wind tunnels to study fluid behavior. In contrast, Computational Fluid Dynamics uses computer simulations to model fluid flow. Both roles are essential in fluid mechanics research and engineering, often working together to validate and improve designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an experimental fluid dynamics engineer, and why are they important?

To excel in Experimental Fluid Dynamics, you need a strong background in fluid mechanics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and relevant software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is essential, and experience with wind tunnels or flow visualization techniques is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong collaboration and communication skills help you design experiments and interpret complex data effectively. These competencies are crucial for generating accurate experimental insights that drive innovation and validate computational models in engineering applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in experimental fluid dynamics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Experimental Fluid Dynamics often encounter challenges such as managing complex instrumentation, ensuring accurate data acquisition, and minimizing measurement errors caused by environmental factors or equipment limitations. Addressing these issues typically involves meticulous calibration of instruments, regular maintenance of experimental setups, and collaboration with colleagues in instrumentation and data analysis. Additionally, staying updated with the latest advancements in measurement techniques and simulation tools can help streamline workflows and improve experimental outcomes.
More about Experimental Fluid Dynamics jobs
What cities are hiring for Experimental Fluid Dynamics jobs? Cities with the most Experimental Fluid Dynamics job openings:
What states have the most Experimental Fluid Dynamics jobs? States with the most job openings for Experimental Fluid Dynamics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Experimental Fluid Dynamics job openings in the United States 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 $112,254 per year, or $54 per hour.

RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Liquid Propulsion Systems Engineer

SWRI

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

  • Design, analysis, assembly, integration, testing, and delivery of liquid propulsion flight systems.
  • Participate at all levels including proposal and execution of flight hardware systems.
  • Solve challenges on components and/or systems that span between the pressurant tanks, through pressurization systems, into the propellant tanks, down the feedlines, combustion, and finally out the engine nozzles.
  • Work on multidisciplinary and flexible teams with our experts in feedline and pogo instability, slosh dynamics and control, microgravity propellant management, thermal management, pressurization modeling, and combustion.
  • Write technical reports, papers, proposals, and presentations to support client deliverables, technical professional organizations and SwRI business development.
  • We empower each other towards research areas of interest and career growth.
  • Participate in design, analysis, and testing for other fluid, thermal, and machinery projects as needed.
  • Technical areas include power generation systems, energy storage, advanced cycles, and turbomachinery design and testing.

  • Be a key contributor and assist in managing programs for propulsion system development and delivery for satellite systems.
  • Design, analysis, procurement, AI&T, performance testing, delivery and in-service operation tasks will be included.
  • Perform design and analysis tasks for fluid, thermal, and machinery projects using engineering software, self-created analytical toolsets, and existing knowledge from engineering standards, technical literature, and industry techniques
  • Perform experimental testing and support for both component-level and system-level testing of propulsion, energy, and combustion machinery.
  • Perform engineering and scientific research and investigations to support projects and advance the state-of-the-art.
  • Interpret and present findings and results to project team and clients in a concise and clear way.
  • Provide support to more than one project in a flexible and diverse team environment.
  • Have and demonstrate a firm grasp of engineering and scientific disciplines and applied first principles.
  • Learn new technical skills to complete project work.

  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering degree.
  • 5 years: Conducting propulsion system design, analysis, assembly, integration and testing of flight hardware programs. Participation in the entire life cycle: concept, design, procurement, assembly and testing. Experience in execution and management of tasks/phases/programs is desired.
  • 5 years: Conducting fluid and thermal system analyses using commercial or custom software, such as flow network, computational fluid dynamics, or mechanical analysis solvers. Firm understanding of the underlying physics of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, or heat transfer.
  • 2 years: Experimental test experience of propulsion and other fluid and thermal systems; including, designing, building, commissioning, operating, and analyzing data. Also familiar with common flight launch and range safety requirements and acceptance/qualification procedures.
  • Desired experience, but not required: engineering MS or PhD degrees; range safety; cryogenics; microgravity fluids; GNC familiarity; mechanical design and fabrication; computational programing/scripting; LabVIEW, PID control and data acquisition; SolidWorks; ANSYS products.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.