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Graduate Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer III

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

... graduate and industry experience). * Proficiency in 3D CAD (Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent ... Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics, with hands-on FEA/CFD ...

Engineering, Research / Scientific The PHASE research group within the Kevin T. Crofton Department ... CFD) simulations. More information on Prof. Liselle Joseph and the PHASE research group can be ...

Principal Engineer

Arden, NC · On-site

$113K - $165K/yr

Graduate degree in Engineering from an accredited institution. * Professional Engineering license ... Thermal, CFD & Multiphysics Analysis Strong understanding of thermal design for power electronics ...

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Graduate CFD Engineer information

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$93K

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How much do graduate cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate cfd engineer in the United States is $93,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Graduate CFD Engineer might face during their first year on the job?

As a Graduate CFD Engineer, you may initially find it challenging to balance learning complex simulation software with understanding specific industry applications. Adapting to project timelines, interpreting large datasets, and validating simulation results against experimental or real-world data can also be demanding. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as mechanical designers or project managers—requires strong communication skills to ensure simulation findings are effectively integrated into the broader engineering process. However, with mentorship and hands-on project experience, most new graduates quickly become adept at managing these challenges.

What is the difference between Graduate Cfd Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectGraduate Cfd EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering; knowledge of CFD softwareBachelor's in Mechanical or Design Engineering; CAD software proficiency
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, simulation centers, engineering teamsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, energy sectors focusing on fluid dynamicsConsumer products, machinery, automotive industries focusing on product design

While both roles require engineering backgrounds, a Graduate Cfd Engineer specializes in fluid flow simulations and computational analysis, whereas a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components and assemblies. The choice depends on whether you prefer simulation and analysis or hands-on design work within the mechanical engineering field.

What is a Graduate CFD Engineer?

A Graduate CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Engineer is an entry-level professional who uses computer simulations to analyze and solve problems involving fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical phenomena. Typically, they have recently completed a degree in engineering or a related field and work under the guidance of senior engineers to develop models, run simulations, and interpret data. Their role is crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing, where fluid dynamics impact product performance and safety. Graduate CFD Engineers often use specialized software like ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM and contribute to research, product design, and optimization projects.

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

To thrive as a Graduate CFD Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and numerical methods, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering fields. Familiarity with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or STAR-CCM+, as well as proficiency in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret simulation results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate modeling, insightful analysis, and successful project outcomes in complex engineering environments.
More about Graduate CFD Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Graduate Cfd Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 81% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Senior Specialist, Aerospace Engineer (Thermal Analysis)

Senior Specialist, Aerospace Engineer (Thermal Analysis)

L3Harris Technologies

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Aerospace Engineer

Job Code: 37456

Job Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

In this role, you will utilize your extensive technical expertise and specialized knowledge in the field of thermal and fluids analysis of solid rocket motor (SRM) components and systems. You will apply your skills to contribute to the development of company objectives and principles, aiming to achieve goals with a focus on solid rocket propulsion. You will employ advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts, to complete CFD and thermal analysis for the SRM systems. You will contribute to the creation of innovative principles, ideas, and analytical methods. You will provide solutions to highly complex technical challenges and sensitive issues that demand a significant degree of ingenuity, creativity, and innovation. The challenges you face will often be unique, and your solutions may set a precedent for future decisions.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead complex projects and work with general oversight.

  • Communicate effectively with internal (program office, chief engineers, etc.) and external customers.

  • Drive the design from conceptual phase through detailed design.

  • Complete and be familiar with hand calculation methods to perform initial sizing and verifications.

  • Perform detailed thermal analysis using proprietary codes based on aerothermal tools such as ACE, gasket, and CMA to provide temperature predictions and ablation assessment of SRM insulators and other hardware components.

  • Execute CFD analysis with commercial codes such as ANSYS Fluent to support thermal analysis and SRM design.

  • Duties include test support for pre and post-test analysis of static fired motors for model validation.

  • Provide rocket motor test instrumentation definition and data processing for production, bench, full engine qualification, etc.

  • Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.

  • Tavel: 10%.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior thermal design experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior thermal design experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior thermal design experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

  • Active US Secret Clearance is desired.

  • Strong skills in the application and use of heat transfer and fluid dynamics applied to propulsion systems.

  • Understanding of the function and design of solid rocket motors.

  • Experience coding Fortran as well as scripting with Python or Matlab.

  • Strong skills in the application and use of heat transfer and fluid dynamics applied to propulsion systems.

  • Understanding of the function and design of solid rocket motors.

  • Hands on experience with the manufacturing of solid rocket motors.

  • Experience coding Fortran as well as scripting with Python or Matlab is preferred.

  • Software skills: CEA, CMA, Thermal Desktop, Fluent, CFD++ is desired.

  • Ability to parse large amounts of data for analysis.

#LI-HW1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time