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Fluids Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Antares

Thermal - Fluids Analyst I / II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

... fluids models of components and subsystems throughout the reactor core and power conversion system ... Design engineers will rely on your modeling and technical expertise for iterative design feedback ...

Hermeus

Fluids Integration Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

We provide crucial design feedback to our engineering team and can rapidly iterate on design and assembly. As a Fluids Integration Technician , you'll be responsible for assembling, installing, and ...

Hermeus

Fluids Integration Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

We provide crucial design feedback to our engineering team and can rapidly iterate on design and assembly. As a Fluids Integration Technician , you'll be responsible for assembling, installing, and ...

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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 8, 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
Manager, Vehicle Fluids Analysis

Manager, Vehicle Fluids Analysis

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Stage Fluids team designs and delivers the propellant, pressurant, pneumatics, and other fluid systems that turn structures into functioning rockets. The team has full ownership across design, production, test, and flight, maintaining a holistic view of Terran R, focused not on isolated parts but integrated functionality. Working on-site at the factory means you're never far from the hardware, enabling rapid iteration and tight feedback loops across design and manufacturing. You won't just be handed requirements: you'll be expected to ask the right questions, collaborate with partners across the company, and ultimately find the best solutions for Terran R.
About the Role:
  • As the Stage Fluids Analysis Manager, you will be responsible for a team of analysts providing essential technical guidance for hardware design and operations across fluid dynamics and thermal systems. You will apply deep expertise in internal flow and thermal analysis to guide component, systems, propulsion, operations, and guidance, navigation and control teams.
  • You will:
    • Manage a high-performing fluids analysis team aligned with program milestones
    • Define, scope, and schedule required analyses to support program execution
    • Ensure analysis fidelity is appropriate for each phase of development
    • Oversee resource planning and analysis progression to meet program timelines
    • Set clear team goals and drive accountability
    • Perform thermal-fluid calculations to size and design compressible and incompressible systems using: Hand calculations, custom scripts and simple programs, network solvers & CFD models
    • Develop and execute CFD analyses for complex vehicle problems, including but not limited to:
      • Propellant management, dynamics, and thermal stratification
      • Compressible flow within complex manifolds and components
      • Multiphase flow within feedlines
      • Validate and quantify uncertainty in analysis models using literature and test data
      • Mature internal tools and methodologies for predicting fluids behavior across ascent, in-space, and reentry flight
    • Mentor engineers and guide hardware owners to ensure systems meet fluid requirements
    • To succeed in this role, you will bring a solid foundation in fundamental physics and the ability to apply first-principles thinking to complex problems. You are self-motivated, adaptable, and thrive in a fast-paced, highly integrated and collaborative vehicle development environment
    • This role offers the opportunity to directly influence major engine and vehicle stage hardware while accelerating your professional growth in a culture that values collaboration, ownership, technical rigor, and calculated risk-taking

About You:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and +7 years of relevant experience across at least 1 aerospace vehicle program lifecycle
  • Proven experience leading high-performing engineering teams delivering successful hardware on complex, cross-functional projects
  • Demonstrated mentoring and technical leadership skills
  • Proficiency in Python or a similar programming language for scientific computing and automated test/simulation data analysis
  • Experience performing 1D modeling of compressible and incompressible flow using hand calculations or fluid network analysis tools (e.g. GFSSP, FloCAD, or equivalent)
  • Experience in architecting and executing industry-standard CFD tools (e.g., STAR-CCM+, Fluent, FLOW-3D, or equivalent) and workflows to inform hardware design

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience building volume of fluid and/or internal compressible flow CFD models
  • Experience developing simulation toolsets and workflows, e.g. for HPC

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$160,000-$220,000 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

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