ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Fluid Dynamics Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Panthalassa

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

... fluid dynamics (CFD), controls, optimization, mechanical engineering, metocean, and fleet ... Experience in startup environments or fast-paced R&D teams; comfortable with ambiguity, proactive ...

Panthalassa

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

... fluid dynamics (CFD), controls, optimization, mechanical engineering, metocean, and fleet ... Experience in startup environments or fast-paced R&D teams; comfortable with ambiguity, proactive ...

Panthalassa

Fluid Dynamicist

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

... fluid dynamics (CFD), controls, optimization, mechanical engineering, metocean, and fleet ... Experience in startup environments or fast-paced R&D teams; comfortable with ambiguity, proactive ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics ... This role will support and conduct basic and applied research in fluid mechanics, investigating a ...

Jobtailor

Manager, Fluid Systems

California, MO · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

... fluid dynamics * Lead technical teams in identifying, analyzing, and developing mitigation ... research and industry experience in fluid mechanics * Willing to travel domestically and work ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTechnology JobsSoftware JobsERP Engineer JobsSenior Fluid Dynamics Research Jobs

Senior Fluid Dynamics Research information

See salary details

$43K

$105.3K

$155.5K

How much do senior fluid dynamics research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior fluid dynamics research in the United States is $105,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Fluid Dynamics Research vs Fluid Mechanics Engineer?

AspectSenior Fluid Dynamics ResearchFluid Mechanics Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, specialized in fluid dynamicsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academiaDesign firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, corporate R&DEngineering firms, manufacturing companies, industry-specific applications
Common Search & ComparisonSenior Fluid Dynamics ResearchFluid Mechanics Engineer

Senior Fluid Dynamics Research roles focus on advanced research, modeling, and simulation in academic or corporate labs, often requiring a PhD. Fluid Mechanics Engineers typically apply fluid principles to design and optimize systems in industry, with a focus on practical implementation. Both roles require strong technical skills, but differ mainly in scope and work environment.

More about Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Fluid Dynamics Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Fluid Dynamics Research jobs?

The most popular types of Fluid Dynamics Research jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs are:

Senior Fluid Dynamics Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Fluid Dynamics Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,259 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Systems Thermal & Fluid Dynamics

Critical Energy Systems

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company Description:
Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy. Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.
Critical Energy's technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers. Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.
Our Mission:
To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.
We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world's energy needs with 100% clean energy. We are in the initial stages of development and building our team. This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big! If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!
About the Role:
We are seeking a versatile Senior Systems Engineer with experience in thermal and fluid dynamics to support the design, development, testing, and optimization of clean energy power generation systems. Collaborating with engineers across the company, this Systems Engineer will take ownership from cradle to grave and help drive the project through completion. This role focuses on system-level modeling, thermal management, and fluid flow analysis, primarily at the 1D level, across components such as heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, cooling & lubrication loops, and other balance-of-plant subsystems.
The ideal candidate will bridge system architecture, physics-based modeling, and product development, ensuring industry-leading performance, reliability, and integration of complex energy systems.
The role will involve collaborating closely with other members of the Systems team in addition to Turbomachinery, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Field Ops, and others. Candidates must be willing to be flexible in their work and be willing to embrace new learning opportunities and expand their comfort zone to benefit the growth of Critical Energy.
The title of this role may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Experience specifically with power generation or process plant systems is not a requirement but is a significant bonus.
Responsibilities:
  • Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance budgets for thermal and fluid subsystems
  • Own system PFD and P&ID
  • Develop sub-system and system-level models to calculate steady, transient, and off-design thermal and fluid behavior using commercial analysis tools or in-house tools (e.g., Python code)
  • Support system trade studies evaluating performance, efficiency, and cost impacts
  • Support the integration of components including heat exchangers, pumps, fluid management systems, piping networks, and other auxiliary and support systems
  • Perform hand calculations using first principles to size components, determine flow rates, estimate component and system efficiency, etc.
  • Perform CFD and thermal analysis to evaluate heat transfer, pressure losses, flow distribution, and efficiency
  • Identify, outline, and support component-level and sub-system testing required for risk mitigation
  • Assist in the development of test plans and instrumentation strategies to validate thermo-fluid performance
  • Analyze experimental data to refine models and improve system design
  • Support development of control strategies related to thermal and fluid system performance
  • Generate technical documentation including system specifications, modeling reports, design trade studies, test analysis reports
  • Develop and manage relationships with third-party vendors
  • Support Field Ops teams with technical expertise and advice after product delivery and accept feedback on possible design improvements
  • Other related tasks as defined by your supervisor that add value to the design needs

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of proven experience in systems engineering or highly related role, with a strong portfolio of projects involving diverse and integrated machinery
  • A solid understanding of and the ability to apply first principles of core mechanical engineering principles, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science as it pertains to system sizing and modeling
  • Experience with a modern CAD package and a willingness to immediately self-teach proficiency in Siemens NX
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Highly self-motivated with effective communication and team-working skills

Basic Experience:
  • Experience with components and sub-systems common to power generation or process plants, like heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, valves, piping, fittings, sensors, and fluid management systems
  • Understanding of thermodynamic cycles (e.g., Rankine, Brayton)
  • Experience generating 3D models and managing assemblies in CAD while ensuring proper fit and function
  • You have built 1D models of thermo-fluid systems using commercial software (e.g., Aspen, Dymola)
  • Proven experience using Python or another coding language to build thermal and/or fluid models
  • In-depth knowledge of the design and operation of heat exchangers and how to select the appropriate type for a given application
  • Understanding of the applicable codes, compliance, and regulations pertaining to development, deployment, and commissioning processing or power generation hardware
  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS CFX, ANSYS Fluent, Numeca)
  • You have worked with other engineering disciplines (such as Aerodynamics, Turbomachinery, Dev Test, Materials, and Manufacturing) to optimize designs for performance, reliability, and manufacturability
  • You are effective and respectful in communicating with other engineers even when it is controversial or regarding errors that you have observed or have been observed in your work
  • Experience creating and maintaining comprehensive design documentation including design reviews and component and system specifications
Bonus Experience:
  • You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant
  • Proven expertise in Siemens NX / Teamcenter environment
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for static structural, vibration, and fatigue using commercial software (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN, Catia)
  • Hands-on experience with product development, such as resolving manufacturing issues and analyzing test data to inform design modifications
Compensation:
  • Base salary ranges from $140-200k per annum
  • Equity options
  • 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical
  • 100% company-covered dental and vision
  • Daily catered lunch
  • Several annual social and team building outings

Apply