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Hydrodynamic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

Work may involve application of coastal hydrodynamics, wave mechanics, sediment transport, coastal ... Support coastal engineering design for restoration and protection projects, including living ...

WSP

Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Tallahassee, FL

Work may involve application of coastal hydrodynamics, wave mechanics, sediment transport, coastal ... Support coastal engineering design for restoration and protection projects, including living ...

Panthalassa

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR

$18.25 - $22/hr

Work with boundary element method models, reduced-order hydrodynamic models, fleet deployment simulators, and OrcaFlex models. * Develop Python engineering tools to interface with modeling codes ...

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Hydrodynamic Engineer information

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$36K

$105.1K

$173.5K

How much do hydrodynamic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrodynamic engineer in the United States is $105,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydrodynamic Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectHydrodynamic EngineerMarine Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Naval Architecture, or Marine Engineering; often includes fluid dynamics certificationsBachelor's in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Naval Architecture; may include marine-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing fluid flow around ships, offshore structures, or underwater vehiclesMaintaining and repairing ship machinery, engines, and onboard systems
Industry UsageShip design, offshore engineering, naval architectureShip operation, maintenance, and repair in maritime industry

Hydrodynamic Engineers focus on fluid flow analysis and design related to watercraft and offshore structures, while Marine Engineers handle the operation and maintenance of ship machinery. Both roles require engineering degrees and are integral to maritime industries, but their daily tasks and specializations differ significantly.

What does a Hydrodynamic Engineer do?

A Hydrodynamic Engineer specializes in studying and designing systems involving the movement of fluids, particularly water. They analyze how fluids interact with structures like ships, offshore platforms, and pipelines to ensure safety, efficiency, and performance. Their work often involves computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and field testing to solve complex engineering challenges. Hydrodynamic engineers are commonly employed in industries such as maritime, offshore oil and gas, and renewable energy (like wave and tidal power).

What are some common challenges Hydrodynamic Engineers face when working on marine vessel design projects?

Hydrodynamic Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing vessel performance while balancing stability, speed, and fuel efficiency. They must analyze complex fluid dynamics and integrate their findings with input from structural and mechanical engineers, often working within tight project deadlines. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and adapting to evolving simulation technologies are also key aspects of the role. These challenges require a strong foundation in computational modeling and excellent communication skills to ensure successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Hydrodynamic Engineer, you generally need a strong background in fluid mechanics, mathematics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, civil, or marine engineering. Expertise in simulation software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, and proficiency in CAD tools are commonly required, along with relevant certifications in engineering analysis. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help professionals excel in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing safe and efficient systems that perform reliably under complex marine or fluid-related conditions.
More about Hydrodynamic Engineer jobs
What states have the most Hydrodynamic Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydrodynamic Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydrodynamic Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydrodynamic Engineer jobs are:
Hydrodynamic Engineer jobs near you
Principal CFD Engineer - Hydrodynamic Systems

Principal CFD Engineer - Hydrodynamic Systems

Verterra Energy

New Brighton, MN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

You will lead computational fluid dynamics modeling efforts for Verterra's turbine systems and related platforms.

You will define modeling strategy, boundary conditions, mesh approach, turbulence models, and validation methods. You will work directly with mechanical and test engineers to ensure CFD results inform blade geometry, structural loads, fatigue expectations, and overall system efficiency.

We are open to full-time, part-time, or 1099 arrangements for the right subject matter expert.

Core Responsibilities

Hydrodynamic Modeling

  • Develop and execute 3D CFD models of rotating turbine systems in open-water environments
  • Model turbulent, unsteady, and cyclic flow conditions
  • Support blade and housing geometry optimization
  • Evaluate flow separation, wake behavior, cavitation risk, and efficiency tradeoffs

Modeling Strategy & Validation

  • Define appropriate turbulence models and simulation fidelity
  • Develop mesh strategies for rotating machinery and complex geometries
  • Establish convergence and validation criteria
  • Correlate CFD outputs with experimental data from flume and field testing
  • Identify when simulation assumptions break down

Load & System Integration

  • Extract pressure and force distributions for structural loading analysis
  • Support fatigue and cyclic loading estimation
  • Work cross-functionally with structural and mechanical engineers
  • Translate fluid results into manufacturable design recommendations

Environmental & Operational Conditions

  • Model debris interaction scenarios and flow disturbance cases
  • Evaluate performance in variable flow velocities
  • Understand long-term exposure considerations in real water systems

Documentation & Decision Support

  • Present results in clear, engineering-driven formats
  • Identify design tradeoffs and uncertainty bands
  • Support design reviews with defensible analysis
  • Document modeling assumptions and limitations

Minimum Qualifications

  • 8+ years of professional CFD experience (12+ for Principal level)
  • Demonstrated experience modeling external fluid flow systems
  • Experience with rotating machinery or turbine systems
  • Deep understanding of turbulence modeling and numerical stability
  • Experience correlating CFD results to physical testing
  • Ability to independently define modeling strategy

Preferred Qualifications

  • Marine, riverine, or open-water flow modeling experience
  • Experience with cavitation prediction
  • Experience modeling debris interaction or multiphase flow
  • Experience supporting hardware programs from early prototype through validation
  • Experience working in small, engineering-driven teams

What Success Looks Like

  • CFD informs geometry decisions early and reduces physical iteration cycles
  • Simulation results correlate closely with flume or field testing
  • Load predictions meaningfully support structural design
  • Design decisions are made based on physics, not aesthetics
  • Modeling assumptions are documented and defensible

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Company-paid life, disability, and basic protection
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Unlimited paid time off + 2 weeks sick and safe leave
  • 7 company-paid holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
  • Stocked kitchen

Equal opportunity

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