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Postdoctoral Cfd Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Cfd information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$23.5K

$55.5K

$78.5K

How much do postdoctoral cfd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral cfd in Rio Rancho, NM is $55,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $62,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by postdoctoral CFD researchers, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in CFD often encounter challenges such as managing large, complex simulations, ensuring the accuracy of numerical models, and keeping up with evolving computational tools. Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams—such as experimentalists or engineers—can also be demanding but is essential for validating models and applying findings. To address these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong programming skills, actively participate in research group meetings, and seek mentorship from senior researchers. Staying updated with the latest software and attending relevant conferences also fosters both technical growth and professional networking.

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

AspectPostdoctoral CfdPostdoctoral Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or related fieldsPhD in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&DResearch labs, industry R&D, manufacturing companies
Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsIndustry-focused, product development, manufacturing
Common Search IntentResearch, simulation, CFD analysisDesign, testing, simulation in mechanical systems

Postdoctoral Cfd roles focus on computational fluid dynamics research, often within academia or research institutions, emphasizing CFD simulations and analysis. Postdoctoral Mechanical Engineers may work on broader mechanical systems, including design and testing, with a similar educational background. Both roles require a PhD and involve research, but their work environments and industry applications differ slightly.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a postdoctoral CFD researcher?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral CFD researcher, you need advanced knowledge in fluid dynamics, numerical methods, and a PhD in engineering, physics, or a related discipline. Proficiency with CFD software (such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or COMSOL), programming languages (like Python, C++, or MATLAB), and high-performance computing environments is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set you apart. These capabilities are essential for conducting innovative research, publishing impactful results, and contributing to multidisciplinary teams in both academic and industry settings.

What is a postdoctoral CFD?

A Postdoctoral CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) position is a research-focused role for individuals who have recently completed their Ph.D., usually in engineering, physics, or a related field. In this position, postdocs use advanced computational methods to simulate and analyze fluid flows for academic or industrial research projects. They often work on developing new algorithms, improving simulation accuracy, and publishing their findings in scientific journals. This role provides valuable experience for those seeking careers in academia, research institutions, or industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.
Postdoctoral Cfd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Cfd job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,516 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Hydrodynamic Energy Systems High Performance Computing, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a hardworking and dedicated Postdoctoral Appointee in the Hydrodynamic Energy Systems department. You will work both independently and with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists working on projects that focus on wave energy converter (WEC) control and WEC co-design, current energy converter (CEC) technologies, and other projects related to hydrodynamic energy systems.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Collaborate with other departments in energy conversion technologies.
  • Conduct experiments to evaluate new technologies.
  • Perform simulations, optimizations, and/or hardware tests and document results.
  • Contribute to manuscripts for publication.

This position is located in Albuquerque, NM, and the annual salary for this position is $100,500. Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Qualifications We Require
  • Ph.D. in engineering, science, or other relevant STEM discipline.
  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), structural models, and/or fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Proficiency in programming for data processing and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
  • Experience with high-performance computing simulations.
  • Experience with mooring modeling and/or experimental testing.
  • Familiarity with hydrodynamic energy systems, offshore systems or related technologies.
  • Demonstrated initiative, for example, through independently developed research questions, novel model development, and/or addressing new engineering or scientific challenges.
  • Demonstrated interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Experience with numerical modeling for river and tidal energy converters, e.g. using SNL-D3D, ANSYS Suites.

About Our Team
The Hydrodynamic Energy Systems (HES) department develops technologies that harness energy from waves, currents, tides and ocean thermal gradients to generate energy for power and national security applications. We apply capabilities and expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil and controls engineering, as well as robotics, materials and data science, and high-fidelity modeling to create novel energy conversion devices and to characterize hydrodynamic resources. Our work focuses on advancing hydrodynamic energy technologies to support national energy security objectives.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Position Information
This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.
Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

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