Principal CFD Engineer - Hydrodynamic Systems

Verterra Energy; New Brighton (MN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Unlimited paid time off

Stocked kitchen

Job summary

An innovative energy company located in Minnesota is seeking a subject matter expert to lead computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling efforts for turbine systems. Candidates with over 8 years of experience in CFD and a strong understanding of turbulence modeling are encouraged to apply. The role offers flexible work arrangements including full-time, part-time, or contract options. Key responsibilities include developing 3D models, defining modeling strategies, and presenting results clearly. Comprehensive benefits are provided including medical coverage and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional CFD experience (12+ for Principal level).
• Demonstrated experience modeling external fluid flow systems.
• Experience with rotating machinery or turbine systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute 3D CFD models of rotating turbine systems in open-water environments.
• Define modeling strategy, boundary conditions, and mesh approach.
• Present results in clear, engineering-driven formats.

Skills

CFD experience

Turbulence modeling

Rotating machinery modeling

External fluid flow systems

Job description

What We Do at Verterra Energy

At Verterra Energy, we’re on a mission to harness the power in the world’s rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water‑power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero‑emission electricity.

Backed by top‑tier investors and a multi‑year government contract, we are growing our founding team to help achieve key milestones. Partners and collaborators include: NIRON, DoD, DoE, University of Minnesota, WEG Group, Beckhoff, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Recent press releases can be found on our website:

https://www.verterraenergy.com/news

Role Overview

You will lead computational fluid dynamics modeling efforts for Verterra’s turbine systems and related platforms.

You will define modeling strategy, boundary conditions, mesh approach, turbulence models, and validation methods. You will work directly with mechanical and test engineers to ensure CFD results inform blade geometry, structural loads, fatigue expectations, and overall system efficiency.

We are open to full‑time, part‑time, or 1099 arrangements for the right subject matter expert.

Core Responsibilities

Hydrodynamic Modeling

• Develop and execute 3D CFD models of rotating turbine systems in open‑water environments
• Model turbulent, unsteady, and cyclic flow conditions
• Support blade and housing geometry optimization
• Evaluate flow separation, wake behavior, cavitation risk, and efficiency tradeoffs

Modeling Strategy & Validation

• Define appropriate turbulence models and simulation fidelity
• Develop mesh strategies for rotating machinery and complex geometries
• Establish convergence and validation criteria
• Correlate CFD outputs with experimental data from flume and field testing
• Identify when simulation assumptions break down

Load & System Integration

• Extract pressure and force distributions for structural loading analysis
• Support fatigue and cyclic loading estimation
• Work cross‑functionally with structural and mechanical engineers
• Translate fluid results into manufacturable design recommendations

Environmental & Operational Conditions

• Model debris interaction scenarios and flow disturbance cases
• Evaluate performance in variable flow velocities
• Understand long‑term exposure considerations in real water systems

Documentation & Decision Support

• Present results in clear, engineering‑driven formats
• Identify design tradeoffs and uncertainty bands
• Support design reviews with defensible analysis
• Document modeling assumptions and limitations

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional CFD experience (12+ for Principal level)
• Demonstrated experience modeling external fluid flow systems
• Experience with rotating machinery or turbine systems
• Deep understanding of turbulence modeling and numerical stability
• Experience correlating CFD results to physical testing
• Ability to independently define modeling strategy

Preferred Qualifications

• Marine, riverine, or open‑water flow modeling experience
• Experience with cavitation prediction
• Experience modeling debris interaction or multiphase flow
• Experience supporting hardware programs from early prototype through validation
• Experience working in small, engineering‑driven teams

What Success Looks Like

• CFD informs geometry decisions early and reduces physical iteration cycles
• Simulation results correlate closely with flume or field testing
• Load predictions meaningfully support structural design
• Design decisions are made based on physics, not aesthetics
• Modeling assumptions are documented and defensible

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company‑paid life, disability, and basic protection
• 401(k) with employer match
• Unlimited paid time off + 2 weeks sick and safe leave
• 7 company‑paid holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
• Stocked kitchen

Equal opportunity

Verterra Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.