1

Hydrodynamic Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$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 ...

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Perform mechanical analyses including finite element analysis (FEA), hydrodynamic modeling, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for submersible vehicle structures and components. Generate and ...

... hydraulics, hydrodynamic modeling, dam safety and emergency action planning, floodplain mapping, water distribution modeling, sustainability and climate resiliency planning, data analytics ...

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX

$77K - $101K/yr

... hydrodynamic modeling and mixing analysis. Should also be familiar with computer applications such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, TR-20, SWMM, CORMIX, SLOSH, Mike21, Delft3D, IMPULSE or equivalent. Some ...

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$77K - $101K/yr

... dimensional models, for the runoff analysis, open channel flow analysis, pipeline transients, sediment transport, environmental mixing, hydrodynamic and solute transport; and maintaining and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Hydrodynamic Modeling information

See salary details

$22

$40

$76

How much do hydrodynamic modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydrodynamic modeling in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Hydrodynamic Modeling job?

A Hydrodynamic Modeling job involves using mathematical and computational models to simulate the movement and behavior of water in various environments, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and engineered systems. Professionals in this field analyze water flow, sediment transport, and environmental impact for applications like flood prediction, coastal engineering, and water resource management. They work with software tools, interpret data, and develop models to support decision-making in industries like civil engineering, environmental consulting, and government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Hydrodynamic Modeling position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Hydrodynamic Modeling, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, mathematics, and environmental or civil engineering, usually supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as HEC-RAS, MIKE 21/MIKE FLOOD, or ANSYS Fluent, along with experience in GIS and coding (e.g., Python, MATLAB), is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help professionals excel. These abilities are essential for accurately simulating complex water systems, interpreting results, and successfully collaborating on multidisciplinary projects.

What types of projects or industries commonly employ professionals specializing in Hydrodynamic Modeling?

Professionals with expertise in Hydrodynamic Modeling are frequently employed on projects involving flood risk assessment, coastal engineering, river and estuary dynamics, and infrastructure planning for water utilities or transportation agencies. Industries such as environmental consulting, government agencies, maritime operations, and renewable energy (particularly offshore wind or tidal projects) often recruit for these roles. Daily responsibilities can include developing and calibrating models, analyzing large datasets, preparing technical reports, and working closely with engineers, environmental scientists, and project managers. These positions offer opportunities for growth into senior technical or project management roles, especially as expertise deepens and leadership skills develop.
What cities are hiring for Hydrodynamic Modeling jobs? Cities with the most Hydrodynamic Modeling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrodynamic Modeling jobs? The most popular types of Hydrodynamic Modeling jobs are:
What states have the most Hydrodynamic Modeling jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydrodynamic Modeling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydrodynamic Modeling job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Principal CFD Engineer - Hydrodynamic Systems

Principal CFD Engineer - Hydrodynamic Systems

Verterra Energy

New Brighton, MN โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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