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Fluid State Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$109.30K - $164K/yr

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... Experience conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and/or have experience with the ...

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

About the Job As a Fluid Dynamicist you will help develop, validate, and apply the fast-running ... Run analyses using metocean reanalysis data, measured ocean data, sea-state statistics, wave ...

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR

$18.25 - $22/hr

About the Job As a Fluid Dynamicist you will help develop, validate, and apply the fast-running ... Run analyses using metocean reanalysis data, measured ocean data, sea-state statistics, wave ...

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

About the Job As a Fluid Dynamicist you will help develop, validate, and apply the fast-running ... Run analyses using metocean reanalysis data, measured ocean data, sea-state statistics, wave ...

... state, fluid networks, etc.) • Leading and participating in system and hardware design and manufacturing reviews • Defining and supporting test objectives and test campaigns to validate system ...

New

Senior Fluid Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109.90K - $150.40K/yr

Conducting fluid and thermal analyses, including system performance prediction and characterization using a variety of analytical methods (1D steady-state, transient, fluid networks, etc.) * Creating ...

Fluid Management Site Technician

Middletown, CT · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Our company provides Fluid Management & Engineering Services for Aerospace, Automotive, Medical ... by federal, state or local law, including as applicable, applicant's actual or perceived race ...

Our company provides Fluid Management & Engineering Services for Aerospace, Automotive, Medical ... by federal, state or local law, including as applicable, applicant's actual or perceived race ...

Fluid Management Site Technician

Middletown, CT

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Primary role is performing fluid sampling for concentration control with refractometer and ... by federal, state or local law, including as applicable, applicant's actual or perceived race ...

Primary role is performing fluid sampling for concentration control with refractometer and ... by federal, state or local law, including as applicable, applicant's actual or perceived race ...

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Fluid State information

See salary details

$59K

$76.9K

$108K

How much do fluid state jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluid state in the United States is $76,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Fluid State Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software like ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, and process modeling tools, as well as certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These skills are essential for designing efficient systems, troubleshooting fluid behavior in processes, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and optimal performance.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working in fluid state analysis, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Engineers in fluid state analysis often encounter complex problem-solving scenarios involving fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and computational modeling. New hires may find it challenging to interpret large sets of data and simulate real-world fluid behaviors accurately. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, staying updated with the latest simulation software, and developing strong analytical skills are crucial for success. Proactive communication and continual learning help ensure effective contributions to project goals.

What are Fluid State jobs?

Fluid State jobs typically refer to positions related to the study, management, or engineering of fluids (liquids and gases) in various industries. These roles can include fluid mechanics engineers, fluid dynamics researchers, or positions in fields like chemical, mechanical, or civil engineering where the behavior of fluids is important. Professionals in these jobs often work on designing systems involving the movement, control, or measurement of fluids, such as pipelines, pumps, and HVAC systems. They may also analyze how fluids interact with other materials and environments to solve complex problems in manufacturing, energy, or environmental sectors.

What is the difference between Fluid State vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFluid StateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical Engineering; certifications like FE or PEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; certifications like FE or PE
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and testing of fluid systems in labs, manufacturing, or fieldDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems across industries
Industry UsageSpecialized in fluid dynamics, hydraulics, and aerodynamicsBroader focus including thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials

Fluid State professionals focus on fluid dynamics and systems involving liquids and gases, often working on hydraulics, aerodynamics, and related fields. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, covering various mechanical systems, including fluid systems. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, but Fluid State specialists concentrate specifically on fluid-related applications.

More about Fluid State jobs
What cities are hiring for Fluid State jobs? Cities with the most Fluid State job openings:
What job categories do people searching Fluid State jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fluid State jobs are:
Infographic showing various Fluid State job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 33% Physical, 17% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,875 per year, or $37 per hour.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Researcher/Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$109.30K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Penn State University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 529 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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a researcher/engineer for our Computational Methods Development Department, located in the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office. ARL/Penn State's purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities engineering and technology needs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
  • Perform physics-based code development, verification, and validation in new and existing business areas, including overset grid methods, unstructured and adaptive grid algorithms, multiphase flows, vehicle maneuvering, fluid-structure interaction, ship hydrodynamics, and turbo-machinery; mature and develop business relationships and programs with other ARL offices, industry, and government
  • Part take in all aspects of existing HPC implementations and administration, both in-house and at other leading institutions while working with top researchers in their fields to execute state of the art software, with end-goals of transitioning and fielding systems for the U.S. Department of Defense

Minimal requirements include a Bachelor's degree or higher in an Engineering or Science discipline, Master's degree preferred; 5+ years related experience.
Required skills include:
  • Strong skills in C++, version control systems, and parallel programming
  • Will contribute substantially to the development of state-of-the-art DES/LES and fluid-structure interaction codes
  • Completion of a MS or MSc in an engineering, IT, or scientific discipline
  • Experience conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and/or have experience with the development of CFD algorithms or models
  • Experience creating computational meshes for use in CFD analyses
  • Must be competent and comfortable producing scientific reports and giving presentations of findings/conclusions resulting from CFD and engineering analyses

Preferred skills an experience include:
  • Active government security clearance
  • Additional knowledge of the commercial codes, especially StarCCM+ is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Pointwise and post-processing tools
  • A Ph.D. is preferred

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.
ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.
You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $164,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our 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.
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