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Fluid Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Fluid Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$162K - $230K/yr

Vast is seeking a Fluids Systems Engineer reporting to the Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering to help develop the critical systems that make long-duration human spaceflight possible. In this role ...

Rivian

Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $106K/yr

Role Summary We are looking for a motivated Junior Fluid Dynamics Engineer to join our team and contribute to the aerodynamic development of our next-generation electric adventure vehicles. In this ...

Stratolaunch

Fluid System Design Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr-, or Staff-level Fluid System Design Engineer to support design, integration, testing, and maintenance of Talon-A hypersonic ...

Rivian

Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Irvine, CA

$95K - $106K/yr

Role Summary We are looking for a motivated Junior Fluid Dynamics Engineer to join our team and contribute to the aerodynamic development of our next-generation electric adventure vehicles. In this ...

General Matter

Fluid Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

About This Role We are seeking a Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and deployment of fluid systems for our uranium enrichment facility. This role is responsible for developing ...

Rivian

Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $106K/yr

Role Summary We are looking for a motivated Junior Fluid Dynamics Engineer to join our team and contribute to the aerodynamic development of our next-generation electric adventure vehicles. In this ...

General Matter

Fluid Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $175K/yr

About This Role We are seeking a Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and deployment of fluid systems for our uranium enrichment facility. This role is responsible for developing ...

Vast

Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

Vast is seeking a Fluid Systems Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Long Beach. Reporting to the Manager of Fluid Systems Manufacturing , this role will play a key part in developing the ...

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Fluid Engineer information

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How much do fluid engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 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 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 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.

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 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Fluid Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fluid Engineer jobs are:
Fluid Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fluid Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,956 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Fluid Systems Engineer

Fluid Systems Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$162K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is seeking a Fluids Systems Engineer reporting to the Manager, Fluid Systems Engineering to help develop the critical systems that make long-duration human spaceflight possible.
In this role, you will own the design, development, testing, and integration of fluid-based hardware and systems that support life support, thermal management, propulsion, pressurization, and other spacecraft functions. You will work across the entire hardware lifecycle-from concept development and trade studies through manufacturing, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations.
We are looking for engineers who thrive in hands-on environments, enjoy solving first-principles engineering problems, and want to build flight hardware that directly supports humanity's future in space.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, analyze, and test fluid and mechanical systems for human-rated spacecraft.
  • Own hardware and subsystem development from early architecture through flight qualification and operation.
  • Perform fluid, thermal, and systems analyses to inform design decisions and system performance.
  • Conduct trade studies and make engineering recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals.
  • Lead design reviews and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, test, quality, and mission operations.
  • Develop and execute component, subsystem, and integrated system test campaigns.
  • Support fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and validation of flight hardware.
  • Drive root-cause investigations, failure analysis, and corrective actions during development and test.
  • Ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, maintainable, and scalable for production.
  • Partner with suppliers to develop and qualify hardware and manufacturing processes.
  • Contribute to the development of systems supporting propulsion, thermal control, environmental control and life support, pressurization, and other spacecraft fluid systems.
  • Bring technical excellence, urgency, and ownership to every stage of development.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of professional experience developing hardware, fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other complex mechanical systems.
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of hardware.
  • Experience working within cross-functional engineering teams to develop complex products.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Experience with fluid systems, thermal systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, or other high-reliability engineering applications.
  • Experience designing and developing hardware from concept through production.
  • Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or system integration.
  • Experience performing failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and design-of-experiments.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools such as Siemens NX.
  • Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, assembly, and testing.
  • Experience with high-pressure, hazardous, or safety-critical fluid systems.
  • Familiarity with structural analysis tools and methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of hardware and deliver results in a fast-paced development environment.

Pay Range:
  • Fluid Systems Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468
  • Senior Fluid Systems Engineer: $137,700 - $195,550
  • Staff Fluid Systems Engineer: $162,360 - $230,472

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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