ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fluids Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aetherflux

Fluids Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Fluids Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp. Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and ...

Approach Venture

Senior Fluids Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior Fluids Engineer - Lead Development of Advanced Thermal & Flow Systems Hawthorne, California | On-site Opportunity Summary We are building next-generation power generation systems designed to ...

Blue Origin

Lunar Fluids Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$99K - $138K/yr

We are looking for a pump fluids engineer for our Lunar Lander in support of NASA's Artemis mission. This role will support the development of pumps for various water, coolant, and propellant systems.

Relativity Space

Test Fluids Engineer II

Long Beach, CA

$104K - $143K/yr

This centralized approach provides engineers and technicians with exposure to the entire product ... As a system owner, you will design, analyze, and operate automated fluids systems. Teamwork and ...

Relativity Space

Test Fluids Engineer II

Long Beach, CA

$104K - $143K/yr

This centralized approach provides engineers and technicians with exposure to the entire product ... As a system owner, you will design, analyze, and operate automated fluids systems. Teamwork and ...

Firefly Aerospace

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Lompoc, CA · On-site

We are looking for a propulsion and fluids systems engineer to join the team responsible for all aspects of the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems. This position will grow in responsibility ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFluids Engineer JobsFluids Engineer Jobs in California

Fluids Engineer information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$106.5K

$169.7K

How much do fluids engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluids engineer in California is $106,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fluids Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFluids EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering; specialization in fluid dynamicsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; broad engineering fundamentals
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, energy, and fluid systems industriesManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and product design
Industry UsageFocus on fluid behavior, flow analysis, and hydraulicsDesign and analyze mechanical systems, including thermal and structural components

Fluids Engineers specialize in fluid dynamics, working primarily on fluid systems and flow analysis, often within aerospace, energy, or research sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, covering various mechanical systems, including thermal, structural, and fluid components. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but Fluids Engineers focus more on fluid-specific applications.

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

To thrive as a Fluids Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, chemical, or petroleum engineering. Familiarity with simulation software like ANSYS Fluent or COMSOL, as well as relevant industry certifications, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help Fluids Engineers excel in collaborative and technically challenging environments. These skills are vital for accurately modeling fluid behavior, ensuring system safety, and delivering efficient engineering solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Fluids Engineers in cross-disciplinary project teams?

Fluids Engineers often work alongside mechanical, civil, and chemical engineers, which can present challenges in aligning diverse technical perspectives and priorities. Effective communication is essential, as each discipline may use different terminology or have unique design constraints. Additionally, balancing project timelines and integrating fluid dynamics solutions with broader system requirements can require adaptability and proactive problem-solving. Building strong collaborative relationships and staying open to feedback are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What are Fluids Engineers?

Fluids Engineers are professionals who specialize in the study and application of fluid mechanics, which involves the behavior of liquids and gases. They design, analyze, and optimize systems where fluids play a critical role, such as pipelines, pumps, turbines, and hydraulic systems. Fluids Engineers work in various industries, including oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, to ensure efficient and safe transport and control of fluids. Their work often involves simulation, modeling, and testing to solve complex engineering challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Fluids Engineer jobs in California? For Fluids Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fluids Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fluids Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fluids Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fluids Engineer job openings:
Fluids Engineer jobs near you

Fluids Engineer

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Fluids Engineer
About Cowboy Space Corp.
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to powering on-orbit compute, to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the role:
As a Fluids Engineer focused on propulsion, you will play a critical role in designing and analyzing fluid systems that enable spacecraft maneuverability, station-keeping, and mission longevity. You will work on propellant storage, transfer, and control systems, helping define how our vehicles operate efficiently and reliably in space over extended missions.
You will collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft systems engineers to develop next-generation fluid and propulsion architectures that support Cowboy Space Corp's unique mission profile.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and analyze propulsion-related fluid systems, including propellant storage, distribution, and pressurization architectures
  • Develop and run fluid and thermo-fluid models to evaluate system performance across mission phases
  • Support propulsion system sizing, trade studies, and configuration optimization for spacecraft maneuvering and station-keeping
  • Analyze transient and steady-state fluid behavior including phase change, thermal coupling, and pressure dynamics
  • Define system requirements and support verification and validation activities
  • Partner with mechanical design, systems engineering, and GNC teams to integrate propulsion systems into the broader spacecraft architecture
  • Evaluate supplier components (valves, tanks, regulators, thrusters) and support selection and testing
  • Contribute to test planning, data analysis, and iteration of propulsion and fluid subsystems

Basic Qualifications
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in fluid systems, propulsion, or thermo-fluid analysis
  • Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
  • Experience with fluid modeling or CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Flow3D, CFD++, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar)
  • Ability to work across disciplines in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with spacecraft propulsion systems (chemical or electric)
  • Background in propellant management, including storage, transfer, and pressurization systems
  • Experience with cryogenic or high-pressure fluid systems
  • Familiarity with spacecraft operations or mission design considerations (e.g., station-keeping, orbit raising)
  • Proficiency in programming or scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Experience supporting hardware development, testing, and validation

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

Apply