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Fluid State Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for aDivision Head for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD ...

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for aDivision Head for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD ...

Senior Fluid Systems Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

... 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 design ...

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 ...

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 Systems Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

... 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 ...

Fluid Systems Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

... 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 ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,875 per year, or $37 per hour.
Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics

Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for aDivision Head for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Division in the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The CFD Division Head will lead a premier group of approximately fifteen of engineers and research faculty in meeting the mission of bringing state-of-the-technology tools, talent and leading-edge computational fluid dynamics to our DoD and industrial sponsors. The Division Head, along with immediate reports, will develop and mature business relationships and programs with other ARL offices, industry, and government sponsors. This critical role requires a blend of technical mastery in fluid dynamics, technical management, and personnel management in a mission-focused environment.This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Lead and perform design and performance support analyses, using in-house and commercial CFD tools, for a broad range of applications, including undersea vehicles and propulsion, coupled hydrodynamics/hydroacoustics, low-speed and high-speed aerodynamics, and complex multi-physics systems

  • Lead technical developments and improvements in field of Computational Fluid Dynamics including but limited to code development, V&V, and applications in new and evolving tools and methodologies to solve complex flows. Projects may include but not limited to cavitation and multiphase flows, vehicle maneuvering, turbomachinery, fluid-structure/fluid-acoustic interactions, drag reduction, signatures, and code optimization for modern HPC systems

  • Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and interface across the organization to ensure high quality research output

  • Perform organizational leadership to the CFD Division, to include personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Work with FDAO management team and other ARL offices to build the research portfolio, improve technical capabilities, and enhance cross discipline cooperation and collaboration

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Master's degree or higher in an Engineering or Science discipline or higher plus ten years of related experience

  • Past success as a Principal Investigator in this field

  • Strong research track record of computational fluid dynamics with a focus in hydromechanics, hydroacoustics, maneuvering and controls, propulsion systems or related discipline

  • Previous success managing people with supervisory experience

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with past success in writing white papers or reports

  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Successful history of proposed and awarded research projects evidenced through securing external research funding

  • Demonstrated leadership of multi-discipline research projects

  • Expert-level knowledge of high-performance computing architectures and information systems

  • Experience with STAR-CCM+

Fully on-site located in State College, PA but, options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Division Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Division Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $203,808.00 - $336,300.00.

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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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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