1

Fluid Dynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

... fluid dynamics (CFD), controls, optimization, mechanical engineering, metocean, and fleet ... performance teams. This role focuses on reduced-order and mid-fidelity marine hydrodynamics tools ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fluid Dynamics Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do fluid dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluid dynamics engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fluid Dynamics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fluid Dynamics Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and applied mathematics. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software such as ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM, and experience with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers interpret data and collaborate on complex projects. These competencies are crucial for accurately modeling fluid behaviors and delivering innovative solutions in industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy.

What are some common challenges faced by Fluid Dynamics Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Fluid Dynamics Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, aerospace, and software engineering backgrounds. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex fluid flow concepts to team members who may not have a deep background in fluid mechanics. Additionally, integrating fluid dynamics solutions with other system requirements, such as structural or thermal constraints, can require careful negotiation and compromise. Successful engineers in this role develop strong communication skills and adaptability, enabling them to bridge knowledge gaps and drive integrated project solutions.

What does a Fluid Dynamics Engineer do?

A Fluid Dynamics Engineer specializes in analyzing and solving problems related to the movement of liquids and gases. They apply principles of fluid mechanics to design, simulate, and optimize systems such as aircraft, vehicles, pipelines, and HVAC systems. Their work involves using computational tools and experimental methods to predict fluid behavior, improve efficiency, and ensure safety in various applications. Fluid Dynamics Engineers often collaborate with other engineers to develop innovative solutions in industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy.

What is the difference between Fluid Dynamics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFluid Dynamics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering; specialization in fluid mechanicsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; broad engineering background
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, automotive, energy sectors focusing on fluid behaviorManufacturing, design, product development across various industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in fluid flow analysis, simulations, and testingDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems

Fluid Dynamics Engineers focus on analyzing and solving problems related to fluid flow, often using simulations and testing. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems, including fluids but also solids and thermal systems. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but Fluid Dynamics Engineers specialize in fluid behavior within mechanical contexts.

More about Fluid Dynamics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Fluid Dynamics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Fluid Dynamics Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Fluid Dynamics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fluid Dynamics Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fluid Dynamics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Posted 18 hours ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16173 

Overview:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

The Advanced Engineering Technologies (AET) Group is seeking a computational fluid dynamics analyst to specialize in the use and development of computational simulation software for complex aerodynamic systems in the support of the nonproliferation mission space. This position will involve the creation and use of custom developed and off-the-shelf computational approaches in a research and development atmosphere.

Major Duties / Responsibilities:
  • You, in collaboration with principal investigators and project management at ORNL, will participate in the development of simulation software to model complex system flows in processes relevant to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space.
  • You will be expected to be a user of the tools generated, participate in model validation activities, identify workflow improvements, and communicate issues to the development team for tool improvement.
  • You will also be involved in the analysis of ad hoc problem sets relevant to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space.
  • Performing well as part of a larger project team and being capable of developing simulation software in a collaborative development environment is expected.
  • In addition to these responsibilities, you will be a contributor to R&D projects and will be expected to report on and brief results throughout the lifecycle of the various projects assigned to them.
  • In this position you will be expected to effectively interact with various ORNL staff as well as internal and external sponsors.
  • Working in a team environment with co-workers and management as well as independently is expected; you are also expected to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports, papers and presentations; and to participate in the development of research proposals.
  • You will interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and test campaign personnel.
Basic Qualifications:
  • M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field, and a minimum of two years of related experience; or a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related field and a minimum of one year of related experience.
  • Excellent communication skills including verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics analysis, with an emphasis on:
    • Mesh generation
    • Steady and unsteady flows
    • Sensitivity studies
    • Validation activities
  • Experience in computational modeling, including numerical analysis, finite element methods, and software engineering
  • Experience in software development in the C++ and Python languages
  • The ability to work flexible hours and travel
  • Experience in an R&D and/or testing environment

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.  

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


What Oak Ridge National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom