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Senior Cfd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

CFD Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

To support these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer (Level II or Senior level) to join our advanced hypersonic design team. In this role, you will support ...

Stratolaunch

CFD Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site +1

To support these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer (Level II or Senior level) to join our advanced hypersonic design team. In this role, you will support ...

Pkaza

CFD Engineer - Mechanical

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

The CFD Engineering Specialist will collaborate and work with senior design staff to further develop their CFD expertise for data center design and construction. Responsibilities: * Create designs ...

Pkaza

CFD Engineer - Mechanical

Wilkes Barre, PA · On-site +1

The CFD Engineering Specialist will collaborate and work with senior design staff to further develop their CFD expertise for data center design and construction. Responsibilities: * Create designs ...

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How much do senior cfd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cfd engineer in the United States is $120,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and industries do senior CFD engineers typically work on, and how does this diversity impact their daily responsibilities?

Senior CFD Engineers often contribute to a wide range of projects across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. This diversity means that daily tasks can vary significantly, from developing simulation models for aerodynamic analysis to optimizing thermal management systems. The role frequently involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including design, testing, and manufacturing engineers—to integrate CFD insights into product development. As a result, Senior CFD Engineers must be adaptable and skilled at communicating technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Senior CFD Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and numerical methods, supported by a degree in engineering or a related field and several years of relevant experience. Expertise in industry-standard CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM, as well as proficiency in scripting languages (like Python or MATLAB), is vital. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure accurate simulations, innovative solutions, and effective project delivery in complex engineering environments.

What is a senior CFD engineer?

A Senior CFD Engineer is an experienced professional who specializes in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), using advanced simulation software to analyze and solve complex problems involving fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena. They are responsible for designing, conducting, and interpreting simulations to improve product designs or processes in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy. In addition to deep technical expertise, Senior CFD Engineers often mentor junior staff, lead projects, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal solutions.
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Senior Cfd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cfd Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 73% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 21% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,817 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

CFD Engineer

Stratolaunch

Mojave, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
To support these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer (Level II or Senior level) to join our advanced hypersonic design team. In this role, you will support the conceptual and detailed design of current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles, focusing on advanced CFD analyses, aerodynamic and aerothermal modeling, and the development of analytical tools. Responsibilities include contributing to design trade studies, detailed analyses, tool development, and flight test support. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerodynamics and aerothermal analysis, with hands-on experience modeling complex flow interactions across the subsonic to hypersonic flight regimes.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conduct advanced CFD analyses of captive carry and hypersonic vehicles, with emphasis on:
    • Interference effects (e.g., multi-body, control surface, propulsion-airframe interactions)
    • High-speed, high-enthalpy flows (Mach 5+) aero and aerothermal predictions
  • Develop, manage, and validate large CFD databases for a variety of vehicle configurations using CFD and supporting test data
  • Contribute to aerodynamic and aerothermal databases by integrating analytical, numerical, wind tunnel, and flight test data
  • Support trajectory analysis and optimization for current and future vehicles
  • Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data as required to validate CFD models
  • Develop and maintain CFD automation tools to support the team
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate CFD results into broader vehicle design and performance analyses
  • Support business proposals and technical presentations to government and industry partners

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years (Level II) or 5+ years (Senior) of relevant engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of industry experience and applied graduate work
  • Proficiency in CFD meshing techniques using tools such as Pointwise, ANSA, or Link3D to generate high-quality meshes for complex geometries
  • Strong foundation in aerodynamics, aerothermal dynamics, and flight mechanics
  • Proficiency with at least one major CFD solver (e.g., US3D, Fun3D, StarCCM+, Kestrel)
  • Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and post-processing
  • Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities
  • Willing and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with hypersonic aerodynamic theory and analysis
  • Demonstrated expertise in CFD for subsonic, transonic, or hypersonic flows
  • Experience complex CFD simulations including multibody interactions, plume, scramjet, or aero heating predictions
  • Familiarity with advanced meshing techniques including overset meshing and fully structured meshes on complex vehicles
  • Experience developing and managing large CFD databases
  • Experience conducting CFD and related tasks on HPC resources
  • Proficient in lofting compound surfaces for aerospace vehicles
  • Experience with CFD analysis tools - preferred: US3D, Fun3D, Pointwise, ANSA Link3D, StarCCM+, Kestrel, Tecplot, Paraview
  • Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software tools - preferred: Siemens NX
  • Active security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Level II ($101,079-$146,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr-Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable
  • While Stratolaunch is headquartered in Mojave, CA, this position offers flexibility in work location. Remote, hybrid, and on-site arrangements are all available based on candidate preference and business needs.
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%.

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s):
  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
  • Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You're within a half day's drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state's best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke's in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won't find anywhere else in the United States.
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees' and applicants' time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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