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Lead Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhysicsX

CFD Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

Who We're Looking For As a CFD Engineer (Delivery), you are a problem solver and a builder, who is ... Lead (TL), especially if you're driven to take ownership of more complex projects and lead the ...

UniversalAGI, Inc.

Lead technical customer conversations with customers and internal teams, translating between the ... CFD, and build something that will define the next generation of industrial engineering.

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Lead Cfd Engineer information

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$180.5K

How much do lead cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead cfd engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lead CFD engineer?

Lead CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Engineers are professionals who oversee and guide the simulation and analysis of fluid flows using specialized software. They are responsible for managing CFD projects, leading teams, and ensuring the accuracy and quality of simulation results. Their work helps optimize designs in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy by predicting fluid behavior and solving complex engineering problems. Lead CFD Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and play a key role in decision-making processes related to product development and performance.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Lead CFD engineer when managing simulation projects across multidisciplinary teams?

As a Lead CFD Engineer, one common challenge is effectively coordinating between various teams such as mechanical design, software, and testing to ensure simulation results are accurately integrated into product development. Balancing project deadlines while maintaining simulation accuracy and managing resource constraints can also be demanding. Additionally, you’ll need to translate complex CFD data into actionable insights for stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds, requiring strong communication and leadership skills. Proactively addressing these challenges is key to successful project outcomes and team collaboration.

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

To thrive as a Lead CFD Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering and significant experience in computational fluid dynamics. Proficiency with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, and programming languages like Python or MATLAB is essential, along with familiarity with high-performance computing systems. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate simulations, efficient project management, and clear guidance for engineering teams, leading to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Lead Cfd Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectLead Cfd EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; CFD certificationsBachelor's/Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign, simulation, and analysis using CFD software in engineering teamsDesign, testing, and manufacturing in various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, energy sectors focusing on fluid dynamicsBroadly used across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, HVAC

The main difference is that a Lead Cfd Engineer specializes in computational fluid dynamics analysis, focusing on fluid flow simulations, while a Mechanical Engineer has a broader scope in mechanical systems design and analysis. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Lead Cfd Engineer emphasizes CFD expertise and software proficiency, often within specialized teams.

What cities are hiring for Lead Cfd Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Cfd Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Lead Cfd Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Cfd Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Cfd Engineer jobs?

For Lead Cfd Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Aero Performance CFD Engineer

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead CFD studies across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed aircraft design phases

  • Support wind tunnel and flight test planning; correlate CFD predictions to experimental data

  • Mentor junior engineers in aerodynamic modeling best practices and engineering judgment

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Aero Performance CFD Engineer in the San Diego (Poway, CA) area. In this role, you will contribute directly to the design and development of next-generation unmanned aircraft platforms. Responsibilities include leading high-fidelity CFD analyses to support conceptual sizing, preliminary and detailed design, aerodynamic database development, and performance modeling, as well as supporting wind tunnel test planning, execution, and data correlation. This position offers competitive benefits, including 9/80 work schedule, medical, dental, employer-matched 401(k), pension plan, employee referral program, and more.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead CFD studies across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed aircraft design phases
• Define appropriate aerodynamic modeling strategies and fidelity levels across program maturity
• Develop high-fidelity 6DOF aerodynamic databases, including force and moment coefficients, control effectiveness, hinge moments, and propulsion-airframe interaction effects
• Perform unsteady and maneuver-based CFD simulations to evaluate flight risk and concept feasibility
• Conduct aerodynamic trade studies and sensitivity analyses to inform configuration-level decisions
• Support wind tunnel and flight test planning; correlate CFD predictions to experimental data
• Mentor junior engineers in aerodynamic modeling best practices and engineering judgment
• Contribute to internal toolchain development, workflow automation, and advanced modeling capability
• Participate in internal and customer-facing design reviews, test readiness reviews, flight briefings, and technical meetings.
• Contribute to a broad swath of novel aircraft platforms ranging from Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS) to Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated applied experience using high-fidelity Navier-Stokes CFD solvers for aircraft aerodynamics
  • Experience running CFD simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
  • Strong foundational understanding of turbulence modeling, numerical methods, solver limitations, and modeling assumptions
  • Demonstrated ownership of complete CFD workflows, including CAD preparation, mesh generation, solver setup, convergence assessment, and force/moment extraction
  • Experience developing aerodynamic databases for flight mechanics, stability & control, or performance analysis
  • Strong programming proficiency in Python and MATLAB for scientific computing and workflow automation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Ability to work on-site during normal business hours for indeterminate periods of time as dictated by program security requirements.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization applied to aerodynamic shape optimization problems
  • Experience developing surrogate or reduced-order models for rapid aerodynamic performance estimation
  • Demonstrated validation, verification, and uncertainty quantification (UQ) of aerodynamic models
  • Experience with statistical methods for design space exploration and sensitivity analysis
  • Experience using or developing lower-fidelity aerodynamic tools (e.g., AVL, XFOIL, MSES), including understanding of their appropriate use and limitations
  • Applied experience running unsteady and multi-body CFD simulations.
  • Experience with experimental aerodynamic data processing and CFD correlation
  • Experience contributing to production-quality engineering software using modern development practices
  • Active DoD Secret, or higher, security clearance.

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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