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Hydrodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Panthalassa

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR

$18.25 - $22/hr

This role focuses on reduced-order and mid-fidelity marine hydrodynamics tools, including boundary element method (BEM) models, fleet deployment simulators, OrcaFlex models, metocean-driven ...

Panthalassa

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR

$18.25 - $22/hr

This role focuses on reduced-order and mid-fidelity marine hydrodynamics tools, including boundary element method (BEM) models, fleet deployment simulators, OrcaFlex models, metocean-driven ...

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How much do hydrodynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydrodynamics in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Hydrodynamics Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid mechanics, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, civil, or ocean engineering. Proficiency with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, modeling tools, and relevant programming languages is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies enable engineers to accurately analyze fluid behavior, design efficient systems, and collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary projects.

What are some common challenges faced by hydrodynamics professionals in collaborative engineering projects?

Hydrodynamics professionals often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as mechanical, civil, and environmental engineers, to design and analyze fluid systems. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication of complex fluid dynamics concepts to team members from non-hydrodynamic backgrounds, which is crucial for project alignment. Additionally, balancing theoretical models with practical constraints like budget, materials, and safety standards can require creative problem-solving. Adapting to rapidly changing project requirements or new simulation technologies is also a frequent aspect of the role.

What are hydrodynamics jobs?

Hydrodynamics jobs involve the study and application of fluid motion, particularly water, in various environments. Professionals in this field analyze how liquids behave under different forces and conditions, often working in industries such as marine engineering, environmental consulting, naval architecture, and energy production. Common tasks may include designing ships or submarines, modeling water flow for environmental assessments, or developing solutions for flood control. These roles typically require a background in engineering, physics, or applied mathematics. Hydrodynamics experts play a key role in advancing technology and ensuring safety in water-related projects.

What is the difference between Hydrodynamics vs Marine Engineer?

AspectHydrodynamicsMarine Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, fluid dynamics certificationsMarine engineering degree, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, simulation centers, offshore sitesShipyards, onboard ships, maritime facilities
Industry UsageDesigning vessels, studying fluid flow around structuresMaintaining ship systems, propulsion, and onboard machinery

Hydrodynamics focuses on the study of fluid flow around objects, often in research or design contexts, while Marine Engineers handle the maintenance and operation of ship systems. Both roles require engineering knowledge but serve different functions within the maritime industry.

More about Hydrodynamics jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydrodynamics jobs? Cities with the most Hydrodynamics job openings:
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Hydrodynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrodynamics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 40% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Hydrodynamics and Ship Control SIT Lead

Systems Planning and Analysis

Washington, DC • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG), within SPA's Sea, Land, Air Division, provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to NAVSEA Team Submarine program offices and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction. Team Submarine unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia-class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the Navy's top acquisition priority), the Virginia-class SSN program and the new SSN-X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces. Analysts and Engineers supporting Team Submarine will continue SPA's decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting-edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high-profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition. #MC
Responsibilities
The Hydrodynamics and Ship Control System Integration Team (SIT) Lead will provide support to the Team Submarine SSN-X Future Attack Submarine Program Office (PMS 351). Responsibilities include: providing day-to-day on-site support for future attack submarine design, development, and R&D planning under the Technical Director (TD), Ship Design Manager (SDM), and Project Officer (PO); providing strategic leadership (both technical and programmatic) to the hydrodynamics community and coordinating with NAVSEA stakeholders to accurately scope technical efforts, align technical tasking across performers and ensure that technical efforts support program goals; and managing the execution of design, development, and integration activities/tasking within the SSN(X) hydrodynamics portfolio. This position includes technical and programmatic support of wide activities including risk management, scheduling, strategic advising, and technical documentation.
This position is located at Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC with potential for light telework. There is an expectation for up to ~10% travel to partner and industry stakeholder locations.
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. DC Pay Transparency Range: $140k - $160k.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering field related to Hydrodynamics and Naval Architecture, including but not limited to Aerospace, Marine, or Mechanical Engineering.
  • 10+ years of combined experience in; US Submarine hydrodynamics, stability and control, submarine controls systems, naval architecture principles, model scale testing and submarine maneuvering systesm; and programmatic experience managing comple Navy proejcts with a wide variety of stakeholders
  • Project/Program management experience
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), MS Teams, and MS SharePoint
  • Active DoW SECRET security clearance

Desired Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of US Submarine Experience
  • 5+ years supporting technical and/or defense industry
  • Experience supporting Navy acquisitions programs

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