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Fluids Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Facilities Engineer 2

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Position Title Senior Facilities Engineer 2 Purpose & Scope: Under the direct supervision of the ... fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and/or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of ...

Position TitleSenior Facilities Engineer 2 Purpose & Scope: Under the direct supervision of the ... fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and/or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of ...

Senior Facilities Engineer 2

Arlington, VA · On-site

$38.75 - $62.78/hr

Graduate of General or Special Maintenance/ Engineering Trades course is preferred. Experience ... fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and/or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of ...

Senior Facilities Engineer 2

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Graduate of General or Special Maintenance/ Engineering Trades course is preferred. Experience ... fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and/or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of ...

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $220K/yr

Requirements and configuration tools (Jama, DOORS, JIRA, Confluence) * CAD familiarity (Creo or SolidWorks) and strong engineering intuition across thermal, structural, and fluids domains * Mission ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Washington, DC

$82K - $106K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer performs complex and varied work to develop and recommend improvements ... fluids, and heat transfer. Experience with CAD software. * Skills/Abilities: Effectively ...

Manufacturing Engineer I

Washington, DC

$82K - $106K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer I performs directed assignments to develop and recommend improvements in ... Basic concepts of electrical systems, mechanical systems, fluids, and heat transfer * Skills ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fluids Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$27.2K

$122.3K

$194.8K

How much do fluids engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for fluids engineer in Washington is $122,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $151,200.00 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 cities in Washington are hiring for Fluids Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Fluids Engineer job openings:
2026 Graduate - Mechanical-Fluids Analysis Engineer, Shipboard Systems Team

2026 Graduate - Mechanical-Fluids Analysis Engineer, Shipboard Systems Team

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD

$85K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you excited by the challenge of performing modeling and simulation and analysis on complex weapon systems in support of the U.S. Navy? Do you have a strong desire to work with data from operational U.S. submarines to understand performance and develop and validate physics-based models?
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer ready to embrace challenges associated with simulating and analyzing complex submarine missile launcher systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and foundation in fluid dynamics and will have an eagerness to apply and expand their skillset across a range of technical challenges.
As a member of the team, you will gain a deep technical understanding of the weapon systems we support. You will play a pivotal role in assessing how modifications to existing weapon systems affect the complex fluid environment of underwater missile launch. Additionally, you will work with a multidisciplinary team that supports our sponsors in developing advanced analysis methods for deployed systems, modernizing existing Navy hardware, and integrating new weapon systems onto Navy platforms.
As a Mechanical Engineer on our team, you will...
  • Develop deep technical expertise in submarine launcher and other shipboard systems by analyzing operational patrol data.
  • Perform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, including mesh creation, execution, and post-processing on our in-house High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster.
  • Perform physics-based bulk volume modeling and data analysis using MATLAB/Simulink and other tools.
  • Implement coding best practices and develop streamlined, maintainable workflows across the team's modeling and analysis tools.
  • Validate simulations against test data to assess the accuracy and fidelity of the simulations.
  • Support test and evaluation efforts ranging from small-scale lab tests to full-scale system tests at government facilities or onboard Navy platforms.
  • Provide critical technical recommendations to sponsors regarding design solutions proposed by industry partners.
  • Prepare technical reports and briefing materials for presentation to internal staff, government, and industry partners.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Have demonstrated interest in fluid dynamics through coursework, professional experience, or in a laboratory setting.
  • Are willing to learn new tools and embrace the changes needed to transform existing workflows in a developing Digital Engineering environment.
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to U.S. Navy facilities, bases, and contractor sites.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have significant experience performing modeling and simulation using CFD tools such as OpenFOAM or StarCCM+, or with bulk volume analysis in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, etc.
  • Have experience with data analysis of large, complex mechanical systems.
  • Have experience working with submarines or missile launcher systems.
  • Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually