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Hypersonic Cfd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specter Aerospace

Mechanical Engineer I

Peabody, MA · On-site

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense applications ... Prior FEA/CFD experience * Familiarity with DFM/DFAM * Previoushands-on experience in a technical ...

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Hypersonic Cfd information

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$11K

$93K

$132K

How much do hypersonic cfd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hypersonic cfd 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 faced by professionals working in hypersonic CFD roles?

Professionals in hypersonic CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) roles often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling complex flow phenomena like shock waves, high-temperature gas effects, and aerodynamic heating. These simulations require advanced numerical methods and high-performance computing resources due to the extreme speeds and temperatures involved. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including experimentalists and material scientists—is common to validate simulations and integrate results into larger engineering projects. Staying updated with the latest simulation tools and research is essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.

How much do hypersonic engineers make?

Hypersonic engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aerospace design can earn higher salaries, especially in government or defense sectors.

What is hypersonic CFD?

Hypersonic CFD, or Computational Fluid Dynamics for hypersonic flows, refers to the use of computer simulations to analyze and predict the behavior of gases moving at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5+). This field is critical for designing vehicles like re-entry spacecraft, missiles, and high-speed aircraft, where extreme temperatures and shock waves present unique challenges. Hypersonic CFD helps engineers understand airflow, heat transfer, and aerodynamic forces, enabling the development of safer and more efficient high-speed vehicles.

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

To thrive as a Hypersonic CFD Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering or a related field, with expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and high-speed aerodynamics. Familiarity with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or NASA's OVERFLOW, as well as programming skills in languages like Python or Fortran, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These skills ensure accurate modeling and analysis of hypersonic flows, which are vital for designing safe and efficient high-speed aerospace vehicles.

What is the difference between Hypersonic Cfd vs Aerodynamics Engineer?

AspectHypersonic CfdAerodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, CFD certifications, specialized training in hypersonic flowsEngineering degree, CFD experience, aerodynamics coursework
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace industry, high-performance computingAircraft design, wind tunnels, aerospace or automotive sectors
Industry UsageHypersonic flight, space vehicles, missile technologyAircraft, automotive, sports equipment

Hypersonic Cfd specialists focus on simulating and analyzing airflow at hypersonic speeds, often involving complex physics and high-performance computing. In contrast, Aerodynamics Engineers work on a broader range of aerodynamic problems across various speeds and industries. While both roles require CFD skills and engineering backgrounds, Hypersonic Cfd is specialized for high-speed, high-temperature environments, whereas Aerodynamics Engineers typically work on subsonic and supersonic applications.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, including Hypersonic CFD engineers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with senior roles, advanced expertise, and in high-demand industries. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and proficiency with complex simulation tools and programming languages.

Are CFD engineers in demand?

CFD engineers are in high demand in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense, where fluid dynamics simulations are critical for design and performance optimization. The role often requires proficiency with simulation software like ANSYS or OpenFOAM and a strong background in fluid mechanics and numerical methods. As technology advances, the need for skilled CFD engineers is expected to grow steadily.

Does NASA hire astronautical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires astronautical engineers for roles related to spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and aeronautics research. These positions often require a background in aerospace engineering, strong technical skills, and security clearances. NASA also values experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and related simulation tools for hypersonic research.
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Hypersonic Cfd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hypersonic Cfd job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Principal Aerodynamics Engineer

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$192K - $221K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
Varda was founded under the belief manufacturing in zero-gravity is critical to unlocking new materials. We are actively working on spacecraft and technologies to make this possible and expand humanity's manufacturing capabilities.
The ideal candidate will lead the aerodynamic development of Varda's next reentry vehicle - from rarefied entry, to hypersonic maneuvering, and subsonic terminal approach. The candidate must have experience with: 6-DOF reentry vehicle dynamics, hypersonic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and running wind tunnel campaigns. The ideal candidate should have been involved in the aerodynamic development of a currently-flying vehicle from cradle to grave.
Basic Qualifications:
  • BS in an engineering of physics & 5+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Significant contribution to aerodynamic development of a hypersonic vehicle that has flown or is expected to fly in the next 5 years
  • Managed an aerodynamic or flight program that collected data from: test, CFD, flight, and other sources
  • Experience running CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows: (Fun3D, Laura, DPLR, US3D, Sparta, DAC, CBAero)
  • Comfortable building structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise
  • Experience with Matlab, or Python languages
  • Experience with wind tunnel campaigns
  • Experience developing an aerodynamic database for a vehicle from scratch
  • Basic technical breadth across other disciplines (avionics, software, GNC, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication.
  • Must be able to obtain a security clearance

Preferred Experience:
  • MS or PhD degrees in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering, specializing in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with modeling vehicle dynamics in POST2 or similar tools
  • Experience sizing ablative or non-ablative TPS
  • Experience with flight reconstruction and post-flight performance evaluations.
  • Experience with flight testing of new aerodynamic features and concepts.
  • Hold a secret or TS clearance.

Pay Range
  • Principal Aerodynamics Engineer: $192,500.00 - $221,375.00/per year
  • This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
Benefits
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
Health & Wellness
  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial & Retirement
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks
  • Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging
  • Dog-friendly office space

ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than "U.S. Persons" as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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