Lead Research Scientist - Structural Engineering

FM; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

FM is seeking a Research Scientist for Computational Fluid Dynamics and Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) to lead and conduct advanced research. You will develop, validate, and apply computational methods to assess loading, response, damage, and reliability of structures under environmental and extreme events.

Collaboration with engineers and partners will drive risk-informed decisions and loss prevention. The role emphasizes high-fidelity CFD/FSI modeling, integration with FEM, and validation

Qualifications

• Requires PhD or Master’s with extensive relevant experience.
• Expertise in CFD and validated FSI/multiphysics modeling.
• Strong programming and data-analysis skills (Python/MATLAB/C++).

Responsibilities

• Lead research using CFD, FSI, and multiphysics to evaluate fluid loading and structural response.
• Develop and validate high-fidelity CFD/FSI models and coupling strategies.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to apply results to risk, loss estimation, and resilience.

Skills

CFD

FSI

Python

C++

MATLAB

communication

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Civil/Structural Engineering

MS with substantial experience (5+ years)

Tools

ANSYS Fluent/CFX

OpenFOAM

STAR-CCM+

Abaqus

Job description

Schedule & Location

Employment type: Full-time, exempt salaried position based in office at FM’s Science and Technology Office in Norwood, MA.

Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Position Summary

This is a multi-level research and engineering opportunity, with scope and responsibilities aligned to the selected candidate's relevant experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated capabilities.

The Research Scientist – Computational Fluid Dynamics and Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) will lead and conduct research using CFD, coupled Multiphysics modeling, and FSI to assess how fluids and structures interact under environmental and extreme conditions. The successful candidate will develop, validate, and apply computational methods that improve understanding of loading, response, damage, failure, reliability, resilience, and property loss across multiple industries.

Examples of applications may include modeling wind and tornado loads on large buildings; wind loads on ground-mounted and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind turbines; and wind, flood, wave, and current loads on structures and infrastructure. These applications will integrate FSI, finite element analysis, experiments, model validation, and uncertainty quantification to support structural risk and fragility modeling, natural hazard assessment, loss estimation, and practical loss-prevention solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead research using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), fluid–structure interaction (FSI), and coupled multiphysics methods to evaluate fluid loading, structural response, heat transfer, vibration, damage, and failure.
• Develop high-fidelity and fit-for-purpose CFD and FSI models, including appropriate geometry, meshing, turbulence treatment, boundary conditions, coupling strategies, material behavior, and solution controls.
• Model wind and tornado loads on large buildings and other structures, including wind effects on rooftop equipment, ground-mounted and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, cooling towers, stacks, and other exposed components.
• Evaluate wind, flood, wave, and current loads on structures and infrastructure, as well as flow-induced vibration and aerodynamic instability.
• Couple CFD with finite element and structural dynamics models to predict stresses, deformation, fatigue, buckling, damage progression, and failure under operational and extreme events.
• Use available wind-tunnel, laboratory, component, or system-level experiments to calibrate and validate CFD, FSI, and reduced-order models.
• Assess model sensitivity, uncertainty, verification, validation, strengths, and limitations, and communicate their implications for engineering and risk decisions.
• Integrate simulation results with structural reliability, vulnerability and fragility modeling, natural hazard risk assessment, and loss estimation.
• Develop and evaluate mitigation measures, improve structural or equipment resilience, and support property loss prevention.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, modelers, business stakeholders, academic partners, and industry organizations to define research needs and implement results.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, scientific publications, engineering guidance, and recommendations for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Support research project planning, execution, documentation, quality assurance, and implementation.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field required; plus 3 years of relevant experience preferred,

or Master’s degree in one of these fields plus at least 5 years of relevant experience considered, 10 years strongly preferred.

Experience

• A strong background in CFD and demonstrated experience developing and validating coupled fluid–structure interaction (FSI) and multi physics models are required.
• Experience with CFD, structural, and multi physics software such as ANSYS Fluent/CFX, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, Abaqus, or comparable platforms.
• Strong scientific programming and data-analysis skills using Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience verifying and validating simulations using analytical solutions, benchmark cases, wind-tunnel or laboratory experiments, field measurements, or operational data; identifying model assumptions, strengths, limitations, and uncertainty; and clearly explaining their effects on engineering, risk, and loss estimates.
• Experience applying finite element analysis and structural dynamics to evaluate stress, deformation, vibration, fatigue, buckling, damage, or failure.
• Experience in one or more application areas, such as wind engineering and the built environment or renewable energy generation and storage.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, reduced-order modeling, uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, or optimization for simulation-intensive engineering problems.
• Experience with structural reliability, vulnerability or fragility development, probabilistic analysis, catastrophe risk modeling, or loss estimation is an asset.
• Knowledge of the analysis and design of reinforced concrete, steel, and wood buildings and foundations for wind, tornado, earthquake, snow, and flood loads is preferred; candidates willing to develop this knowledge through training will also be considered.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex simulation methods and results to different audiences.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment.

The hiring range for this position is $121,000 - $198,000 a year. The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM’s comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, and time off, including vacation and sick time.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, andretaininga diverse workforce.