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Nasa Cfd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVTC Group

CFD Fluids Engineer

Titusville, FL · On-site

NASA or AEROSPACE Exp US Citizens or Perm Residents Only These are immediate interviews for the right candidates. Senior CFD / Fluid Dynamics Engineer We are seeking an experienced and versatile ...

Amentum

Aerothermal Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Experience with a NASA Aerothermal CFD solver (DPLR, LAURA, LociCHEM, US3D, HyperSolve, FUN3D) * Expertise in entry vehicles including supersonic and hypersonic flows, aerodynamics, trajectories, and ...

Inversion

Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based ... This is a unique opportunity to help define the CFD strategy for groundbreaking technology ...

Inversion

Staff Aerothermal CFD Methods Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based ... As the Staff Aerothermal CFD Methods Engineer, you will build and extend the computational tools ...

Pae

Aerothermal Engineer

Houston, TX

Utilize NASA Aerothermal CFD solvers for spacecraft entry analysis. Create CFD grids utilizing grid generation software. Create CFD visualizations. Analyze and interpret ground test and flight data ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Aerospace Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience producing original research and publications in CFD, PSI, or multiphase or rarefied gas dynamics * Experience working with U.S. government clients such as NASA * Doctorate degree in ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Aerospace Engineer

Houston, TX

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience producing original research and publications in CFD, PSI, or multiphase or rarefied gas dynamics * Experience working with U.S. government clients such as NASA * Doctorate degree in ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Aerospace Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience producing original research and publications in CFD, PSI, or multiphase or rarefied gas dynamics * Experience working with U.S. government clients such as NASA * Doctorate degree in ...

Tuskegee University

... NASA or aerospace experience preferred) * Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and combustion principles * Proficiency in engineering tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or CFD ...

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Nasa Cfd information

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How much do nasa cfd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa 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 is a NASA CFD engineer?

A NASA CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) engineer is a professional who uses advanced computer simulations to analyze and solve problems involving fluid flow, such as airflow over spacecraft or rockets. These engineers develop and apply mathematical models and software tools to predict how gases and liquids behave under various conditions relevant to NASA missions. Their work is crucial for designing safer and more efficient vehicles, optimizing mission performance, and understanding complex physical phenomena in aerospace engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA CFD engineer?

To thrive as a NASA CFD Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and numerical methods, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Expertise with CFD software (such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or NASA's FUN3D), programming skills (e.g., Fortran, C++, Python), and familiarity with high-performance computing environments are essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex simulation results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are critical for developing accurate simulations that inform spacecraft design, improve mission safety, and advance aerospace research.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by CFD engineers at NASA, and how can new hires prepare for them?

CFD engineers at NASA often tackle complex simulations involving fluid dynamics in extreme aerospace environments, which can present challenges related to computational resources, model validation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. New hires may find it demanding to integrate large-scale simulation data with experimental results and must frequently adapt to evolving software tools and methodologies. To prepare, candidates should strengthen their skills in high-performance computing, stay current with the latest CFD software, and be ready to collaborate closely with experts in aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science.

What is the difference between Nasa Cfd vs Nasa Aerodynamics Engineer?

AspectNasa CfdNasa Aerodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, CFD certificationEngineering degree, aerodynamics specialization
Work EnvironmentSimulation and software developmentDesign, testing, and analysis of aerodynamic systems
Employer & Industry UsageNASA, aerospace industry, research labsNASA, aerospace companies, research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding CFD roles at NASAUnderstanding aerodynamics engineering at NASA

NASA CFD specialists focus on developing and applying computational fluid dynamics simulations to analyze airflow and fluid behavior. In contrast, NASA Aerodynamics Engineers are involved in designing and testing aerodynamic systems, often using CFD as a tool. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but CFD specialists emphasize software and simulation, while aerodynamics engineers focus on practical design and testing.

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Nasa Cfd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Cfd job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

CFD Fluids Engineer

Titusville, FL • On-site

Associates Systems LLC
Engineering Professional Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Associates Systems LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

CFD Fluids Engineer
Onsite Kennedy Space Center /  Florida - No Hybrid or remote is available.
NASA or AEROSPACE Exp
US Citizens or Perm Residents Only
These are immediate interviews for the right candidates.
Senior CFD / Fluid Dynamics Engineer
We are seeking an experienced and versatile Senior CFD / Fluid Dynamics Engineer to provide advanced computational fluid dynamics and multi-physics analysis expertise for aerospace and spaceflight applications. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical and practical understanding of continuum and non-continuum (rarefied) fluid dynamics, along with demonstrated expertise in modeling complex fluid and thermal-fluid systems and fluid interactions with planetary surfaces and particulate environments.
The engineer will apply advanced analytical and computational methods to evaluate complex aerospace systems, assess system performance, investigate technical issues, and support engineering decisions. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams and may involve analysis ranging from component-level behavior to integrated spacecraft and mission-level performance.
Key Responsibilities
  • Simulation & Modeling: Develop, execute, and assess high-fidelity 1D, 2D, and 3D CFD models for continuum regimes, including compressible/incompressible flow, multiphase flow, turbulence, cavitation, and conjugate heat transfer.
  • Apply appropriate modeling approaches to non-continuum and rarefied flow regimes, including slip, transitional, and free-molecular flow conditions.
  • System-Level Analysis: Model and analyze hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including transient flow behavior, valve dynamics, compressibility effects, pressure losses, and actuation response.
  • Model Selection & Technical Assessment: Determine appropriate analysis methods, modeling fidelity, boundary conditions, assumptions, and numerical approaches based on the engineering question, available data, and required level of confidence.
  • Validation & Correlation: Analyze and correlate simulation results with empirical test data, flight data, experimental results, or other available engineering evidence. Assess sources of disagreement and identify opportunities to improve model fidelity.
  • Independent Technical Assessment: Review and evaluate CFD models, analytical approaches, assumptions, results, and technical documentation developed by other engineers or organizations. Identify potential limitations, uncertainties, and technical risks.
  • Multi-Physics Analysis: Support analysis of interactions between fluid dynamics and other physical disciplines, including thermal, structural, propulsion, materials, and spacecraft systems.
  • Lunar Surface and Plume Interactions: Apply CFD and multi-physics methods to assess rocket plume interactions with the lunar surface, including regolith response, particle/dust entrainment and transport, surface erosion/ejecta generation, and potential impacts to spacecraft, payloads, sensors, and nearby assets.
  • Particle and Multiphase Transport: Apply appropriate computational methods to evaluate particle-laden flows, particulate transport, gas-surface interactions, and other phenomena associated with lunar and planetary surface environments.
  • Non-Continuum Flow Analysis: Apply kinetic theory approaches such as Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM), where appropriate to the engineering problem.
  • Technical Problem Solving: Apply first-principles engineering analysis and computational methods to investigate complex or anomalous system behavior and develop technically defensible recommendations.
  • Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers performing fluid dynamics and CFD analyses and contribute to development of analysis methods, best practices, and modeling standards.
  • Technical Communication: Present complex analytical results, assumptions, uncertainties, and recommendations clearly to both technical and programmatic audiences.
  • Analysis Capability Development: Evaluate and recommend computational tools, modeling approaches, and analysis capabilities needed to address emerging engineering problems, including complex multi-physics and lunar surface interaction phenomena.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in fluid dynamics modeling, numerical methods, CFD, and/or thermal-fluid system analysis.
  • Strong understanding of fluid dynamics fundamentals, including the Navier-Stokes equations, compressible and incompressible flow, turbulence modeling (RANS, LES, DES), multiphase flows, heat transfer, and non-continuum flow physics.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, evaluating, and validating CFD models for complex engineering systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to select appropriate modeling approaches and assess the accuracy, applicability, limitations, and uncertainty of computational results.
  • Demonstrated understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic system behavior, including pumps, compressors, check/control valves, manifolds, regulators, and fluid lines.
  • Experience working with spacecraft, launch vehicles, aerospace fluid systems, or other complex flight systems.
  • Experience collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines and evaluating system-level interactions and interfaces.
  • Working knowledge of NASA standards, practices, and requirements is highly desired.
Preferred Software Tools & Technical Skills
Candidates should possess experience with a selection of the following tools and environments:
  • CFD / Multi-Physics: Demonstrated proficiency with STAR-CCM+ or equivalent CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, or OpenFOAM.
  • 1D / System-Level Simulation: Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape Fluids, Siemens Amesim, Flownex, or equivalent tools.
  • Rarefied / Non-Continuum Flow: Experience with DSMC, Lattice Boltzmann, or other rarefied-flow analysis tools is highly desirable.
  • Pre/Post-Processing & CAD: Experience with geometry preparation, meshing, visualization, and post-processing tools appropriate for high-fidelity CFD analysis.
  • Scripting & Programming: Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Bash/Linux, or equivalent programming environments.
  • High-Performance Computing: Experience running large-scale computational analyses in HPC environments and familiarity with job scheduling systems such as SLURM or PBS.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting spaceflight hardware or systems from concept through qualification, launch, and operations.
  • Experience with rocket plume interactions with planetary or lunar surfaces, including regolith erosion, particle/dust entrainment, ejecta transport, or related surface interaction phenomena.
  • Experience with particle-laden flows, multiphase flow, particulate transport, or gas-surface interactions.
  • Experience with rarefied gas dynamics, vacuum systems, plume interactions, contamination transport, or spacecraft environmental analysis.
  • Experience with thermal-fluid systems, propulsion systems, environmental control systems, pressurized systems, or other spacecraft fluid systems.
  • Experience correlating computational models with ground test, qualification test, or flight data.
  • Experience developing or reviewing engineering analysis methods, modeling standards, or verification approaches.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership in computational fluid dynamics or thermal-fluid analysis.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical direction on complex analysis problems.

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