Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Specialist

Harvard Group International; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Group International is seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Specialist to join our engineering team. You will develop high-fidelity CFD models for the entire gas turbine flow path, from compressor inlet to exhaust, to optimize performance and efficiency.

You will work closely with design and test engineers, applying steady-state and transient CFD analyses using industry-standard tools and correlating results with engine testing data to drive hardware development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience applying CFD to gas turbines, turbomachinery, aerospace propulsion, rotating equipment, or similar highly engineered products.
• Strong knowledge of compressor aerodynamics, turbine flow, internal fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics as applied to rotating machinery.
• Proficient with CFD tools: ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, STAR-CCM+ or equivalents for complex engineering analysis.
• Experience correlating CFD predictions with engine testing, experimental data, or validation results.
• Experience analyzing multistage compressors, turbines, combustors, or complete engine assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity CFD models supporting compressor, combustor, turbine, and complete engine flow path analysis.
• Execute aerodynamic, thermal, and fluid flow simulations to evaluate engine performance and identify design improvements.
• Perform steady-state and transient analyses utilizing industry-standard CFD software.
• Analyze internal flow fields, pressure losses, heat transfer, turbulence, combustion behavior, and overall engine efficiency.
• Correlate CFD predictions with engine testing, rig testing, and experimental results.

Skills

CFD Analysis

Gas Turbines

Compressor Aerodynamics

Turbine Flow

Heat Transfer

Multistage Analysis

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

ANSYS CFX

STAR-CCM+

Job description

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS (CFD) SPECIALIST

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Specialist to join our growing engineering organization and play a critical role in the development of next generation aeroderivative gas turbine technology. This position is far more than a traditional CFD analyst role. The successful candidate will serve as a key technical contributor supporting the aerodynamic development of the entire gas turbine system, from compressor inlet through exhaust, applying advanced computational analysis to optimize compressor performance, combustion systems, turbine efficiency, thermal management, and overall engine performance. Working closely with design engineers, test engineers, and system development teams, the CFD Specialist will transform simulation data into practical engineering solutions that directly influence hardware design, testing strategy, and product development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop high-fidelity CFD models supporting compressor, combustor, turbine, and complete engine flow path analysis.
• Execute aerodynamic, thermal, and fluid flow simulations to evaluate engine performance and identify design improvements.
• Perform steady-state and transient analyses utilizing industry-standard CFD software.
• Analyze internal flow fields, pressure losses, heat transfer, turbulence, combustion behavior, and overall engine efficiency.
• Support optimization of compressor performance, combustion stability, cooling strategies, and turbine aerodynamics.
• Correlate CFD predictions with engine testing, rig testing, and experimental results.
• Improve internal CFD methodologies, meshing practices, and simulation standards.
• Help establish engineering best practices for future product development programs.

REQUIREMENTS

• You have 5+ years of experience applying Computational Fluid Dynamics to gas turbines, turbomachinery, aerospace propulsion, rotating equipment, or similar highly engineered products.
• You possess strong knowledge of compressor aerodynamics, turbine flow, internal fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamic principles as applied to rotating machinery.
• You are proficient utilizing tools such as ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, STAR-CCM+, or comparable CFD platforms for complex engineering analysis.
• You have experience comparing CFD predictions with physical testing, experimental data, or engine validation results while continuously improving model fidelity.
• You have experience analyzing multistage compressors, turbines, combustors, or complete engine assemblies rather than individual components alone.