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Fluids Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fluids Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$162K - $230K/yr

Vast is looking for a Integration Test Engineer , reporting to the Sr. Manager, Integration Test ... Develop clear and robust test plans for on-vehicle checkouts, fluids, instrumentation, and high ...

Fluids Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for a Integration Test Engineer , reporting to the Sr. Manager, Integration Test ... Develop clear and robust test plans for on-vehicle checkouts, fluids, instrumentation, and high ...

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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 cities in California are hiring for Fluids Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fluids Engineer job openings:

Propulsion and Fluids Production Engineer

True Anomaly

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

YOUR MISSION

We are revolutionizing spacecraft systems and are searching for candidates passionate about hands-on engineering and advancingย new technologiesย in space propulsion and fluid systems.ย As a Propulsion / Fluids Production Engineerย you will have the opportunity to develop, implement, andย optimizeย theย production processesย for propulsion and fluids systemsย for multipleย vehiclesย types at True Anomaly.ย You will directly coordinateย with engineers, technicians, and others to createย optimized designs and bring them into realityย to fly andย operateย in space.ย ย 

RESPONSIBILITIESย 

  • Support the setup and scaling of spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems manufacturing capabilitiesย for developmental programs and rate production.ย 
  • Develop work instructions for the assembly, integration, and test of propulsion subsystems, fluids subsystems, ground support equipment, and related tooling.ย 
  • Directly support productionย on the floorย toย ensure efficient build of propulsion and fluid system hardware, addressing bottlenecks and troubleshooting technical issues as needed.ย 
  • Generate and resolve non-compliance reports for propulsion and fluid system hardware, conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.ย 
  • Oversee calibration and certification of fluid ground support equipment relevant to propulsionย and other fluidsย subsystems.ย 
  • Drive process improvements and corrective actions to increase the efficiency and reliability of propulsion and fluid system hardware manufacturing.ย 
  • Collaborate with design engineering to provide manufacturability feedback and contribute to technical documentation, including drawings, process flows, and test specifications.ย ย 

QUALIFICATIONSย 

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline.ย 
  • Years of relevant experience inย propulsion or fluid systems engineeringย for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems in line with engineering level.ย 
  • Experience with PLM, MES, configuration and data management controls and systems.ย ย 
  • Experience working to AS9100 process and standards.ย ย 
  • Hands-on experience with propulsion or fluid system component fabrication, assembly, and testing.ย 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCEย 

  • Experience inย the design, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion components (e.g., thrusters, valves, tanks, feed systems, environmental control units).ย 
  • Direct experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, with an emphasis on fluid and propellant systems.ย 
  • Background in spacecraft or propulsion system environmental or qualification testing.ย 
  • Experience building and producing classified hardware in SCIF's or SAP facilities.ย ย ย 

COMPENSATIONย 

Base Salary:ย 

  • Production Engineer 1: $85,000-$105,000
  • Production Engineer 2: $100,000-$120,000
  • Production Engineer 3: $125,000-$155,000
  • Senior Production Engineer: $140,000-$200,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leaveย 

Your actual level and base salary will beย determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.ย 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Work Location-Successful candidates will be located near Long Beach, CA. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsiteย