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Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Blue Origin, LLC

CFD Analyst III

Seattle, WA · On-site

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will design, analyze, and optimize complex engine ... Experience with conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulations coupling fluid and solid thermal domains

Blue Origin

CFD Analyst III

Seattle, WA · On-site

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will design, analyze, and optimize complex engine ... Experience with conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulations coupling fluid and solid thermal domains

Aetherflux

Senior Aerothermal Analysis Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

The Role As an Aerothermal Analysis Engineer you will be the technical lead for predicting and ... CFD Modeling & Simulation: Set up, execute, and post-process viscous, reacting-flow CFD simulations ...

Istari Digital

Forward Deployed Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$143K - $165K/yr

Architect and build software solutions that integrate Istari's platform into existing digital engineering ecosystems (CAD, CFD, FEM, simulation pipelines, and related toolchains) * Serve as the ...

Istari Digital

Forward Deployed Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$143K - $165K/yr

Architect and build software solutions that integrate Istari's platform into existing digital engineering ecosystems (CAD, CFD, FEM, simulation pipelines, and related toolchains) * Serve as the ...

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All JobsCfd Simulation Engineer JobsFreelance Cfd Simulation Engineer JobsFreelance Cfd Simulation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12.5K

$105.9K

$150.2K

How much do freelance cfd simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance cfd simulation engineer in Seattle, WA is $105,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,300.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance CFD simulation engineer?

Freelance CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Simulation Engineers are independent professionals who use computer software to analyze and solve problems involving fluid flows, heat transfer, and related phenomena. They work on a project-by-project basis for various clients, often in industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. Their responsibilities include setting up simulation models, running analyses, interpreting results, and providing recommendations to improve designs or processes. Freelance CFD engineers typically possess strong technical backgrounds in engineering or physics and are skilled in software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or COMSOL Multiphysics.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance CFD simulation engineers when working with clients remotely?

Freelance CFD simulation engineers often encounter challenges related to communication and project scope when collaborating remotely with clients. Clearly defining project requirements, expected deliverables, and timelines can be difficult without in-person meetings, which may lead to misunderstandings or revisions. Additionally, freelancers are responsible for managing their own workflow, troubleshooting technical issues independently, and ensuring that simulation results are presented in a way that is easily understood by non-technical stakeholders. Building trust and maintaining transparency with clients through regular updates and clear documentation is crucial to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance CFD simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance CFD Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, and engineering principles, often demonstrated by a relevant degree. Expertise in industry-standard CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or COMSOL, along with proficiency in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage projects independently are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital for delivering accurate simulations, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a successful freelance practice.

What is the difference between Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Cfd Simulation EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, CFD certificationsEngineering degree, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-basedOffice or on-site, product development
Industry UsageEngineering consulting, simulation servicesProduct design, manufacturing

The Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer specializes in computational fluid dynamics analysis on a project basis, often working remotely for various clients. In contrast, a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on designing mechanical components and systems, typically within a company or manufacturing setting. Both roles require engineering credentials, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Cfd Simulation Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,853 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

CFD Analyst III

Seattle, WA • On-site

Blue Origin, LLC
Space Research Administration • 1 - 5K employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Blue Origin, LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.
As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will design, analyze, and optimize complex engine components, assemblies and systems. As an experienced practitioner in CFD, you will be responsible for developing high-fidelity computational models to predict thermal environments and structural loading in combustion systems and turbomachinery. Your analyses will directly inform thermal and structural design decisions, boundary condition derivation, and component life assessments across the engine operating envelope. You will collaborate closely with thermal analysts, structural analysts, and systems engineers to ensure integrated and consistent predictions across the engine. Relying on your fundamentals in fluid mechanics and heat transfer you will anchor CFD models to test data and make recommendations for updated instrumentation on subsequent test campaigns.
Special Mentions
  • Relocation provided
  • Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Develop, execute, and maintain CFD models to predict thermal environments, heat flux distributions, and structural loading for combustion devices and turbomachinery components
  • Generate high-fidelity predictions of flow fields, temperature distributions, and thermal gradients to support component design and life assessments across steady-state and transient operating conditions
  • Derive CFD-based thermal and pressure boundary conditions for use by thermal and structural finite element analysis (FEA) teams
  • Collaborate with thermal analysts using tools such as ANSYS Mechanical/Classic and Thermal Desktop to ensure consistent and integrated thermal state predictions
  • Collaborate with structural analysts to ensure CFD-derived thermal loads are accurately translated into structural models and support failure mode evaluations including strength, fatigue, and creep
  • Anchor CFD model predictions to engine and component test data; identify discrepancies and drive model improvements
  • Support test plan development to verify thermal requirements and generate data necessary to establish confidence in design solutions
  • Perform trade studies using CFD to optimize cooling designs, combustion efficiency, and turbomachinery flow path performance
  • Develop and improve CFD process automation tools for mesh generation, boundary condition setup, post-processing, and report generation
  • Advocate for methods and best practices that will improve component analysis performance and reliability
  • Provide technical mentorship to less experienced engineers and perform peer review of CFD analyses across Blue Origin's active engine programs

Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • Minimum of 5 years of industry experience performing CFD analysis in support of combustion systems, turbomachinery, or related engine systems
  • Demonstrated proficiency with one or more commercial or open-source CFD codes (ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, Siemens Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM)
  • Solid understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer
  • Experience deriving and applying thermal and pressure boundary conditions for use in downstream finite element thermal and structural analyses
  • Familiarity with mesh generation tools and best practices for complex 3D geometries
  • Demonstrated experience using scripting or programming languages for pre/post-processing automation (Python, MATLAB, Fortran, VBA, or similar)
  • Good communication skills and proficiency with engineering productivity tools
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on thermal/fluid sciences or computational methods
  • Experience with conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulations coupling fluid and solid thermal domains
  • Familiarity with analysis tools such as ANSYS Workbench or Thermal Desktop to support integrated modeling workflows using CFD-derived loads
  • Experience with reacting flow or combustion CFD modeling (e.g., premixed/non-premixed combustion, species transport)
  • Experience with turbomachinery flow path analysis, including rotor-stator interactions, disk cavity flows, and seal leakage
  • Prior job experience in thermal/fluid testing and instrumentation definition
  • Demonstrated knowledge of phase change heat transfer
  • Experience with Agentic AI

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
Blue Origin logo

About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000

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