1

Fluid Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Fluid Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109.90K - $150.90K/yr

SENIOR FLUID TEST ENGINEER I/II Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Fluid Test Engineer is responsible for bringing test stands into the real world and assuring they ...

Senior Fluid Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109.90K - $150.90K/yr

SENIOR FLUID TEST ENGINEER I/II Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Fluid Test Engineer is responsible for bringing test stands into the real world and assuring they ...

Fluid Systems Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

As a Vehicle Fluid Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the fluid system architecture and function for a given vehicle fluid subsystem. You will apply expertise in system architecture ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fluid Engineer information

See salary details

$24K

$108K

$172K

How much do fluid engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluid engineer in the United States is $107,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Fluid Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, chemical, or civil engineering. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, simulation tools, and relevant industry certifications is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, innovative solutions, and successful project outcomes in complex fluid systems.

What are some common challenges Fluid Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Fluid Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers to design and optimize fluid systems. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical jargon or have unique project priorities. Balancing the needs of various stakeholders while maintaining system performance and safety can require negotiation and flexibility. Building strong relationships and proactively sharing information helps overcome these challenges and leads to successful project outcomes.

What does a Fluid Engineer do?

A Fluid Engineer specializes in the study and management of fluids, such as liquids and gases, within various systems. Their work often involves designing, analyzing, and optimizing equipment and processes that involve fluid dynamics, like pipelines, pumps, and ventilation systems. They use principles of physics and mathematics to solve problems related to fluid flow, pressure, and temperature. Fluid Engineers are essential in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, and environmental engineering.

What is the difference between Fluid Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFluid EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical Engineering; often certifications in fluid dynamicsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; may include certifications in thermodynamics or CAD
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, pipelines, fluid systems, research labsManufacturing, design firms, product development, HVAC systems
Industry UsageOil & gas, water treatment, aerospace, energyAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, consumer products

Fluid Engineers focus on designing and analyzing fluid systems like pipelines and pumps, often working in industries like oil, water, and energy. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, thermal systems, and product design across various sectors. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Fluid Engineers specialize in fluid dynamics and systems involving liquids and gases.

More about Fluid Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Fluid Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Fluid Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Fluid Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fluid Engineer jobs include:
Fluid Systems Engineer

$100.30K - $150.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

Our Fluid Systems Section within our Fluid Mechanics Department in VSD is at the forefront of fluid dynamics research, merging advanced experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to innovate across diverse applications. We are currently seeking a talented Fluid Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to join our interdisciplinary team, driving transformative solutions in fluid mechanics and contributing to state-of-the-art projects. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries in fluid dynamics, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is located onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Conduct analysis, modeling, planning, and review functions associated with uid systems characterization of space, launch, and reentry vehicles

  • Assess steady and transient internal ows in vehicle components/sub-systems for both single-phase and/or multi-phase states

  • Participate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues

  • Perform day-of-launch activities at on-site facilities and national launch sites

  • Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, as well as hardware and mission assurance reviews

  • Maintain technical currency and stay abreast of advances in uid mechanics technologies related to space, launch, and reentry vehicles

  • Provide objective technical viewpoints to government and civil customers

  • Work closely with program ofces and interface with contractors, government personnel, research laboratories, and academia

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

  • Master's degreefrom an accredited college/university programin mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline

  • 5 years of academic research or applicable professional industry experience in fluid mechanics

  • Familiarity withincompressible and compressible ow theory

  • Experience in use of analytical methods and computational uid dynamics

  • Willing to travel domestically approx. 20% of the time

  • This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • PhD degree in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineeringor related discipline

  • Graduate-level course work in hydraulics, pneumatics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, free-surface ows, incompressible ows, and compressible ows

  • Experience in uid networks, liquid propulsion systems, cryogenics, and slosh analysis

  • Experience in use of experimental methods, hardware, and instrumentation

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,300.00 - $150,400.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.