Principal CFD Modeling Engineer
On-site · Baltimore, Maryland, United States or Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Principal CFD Modeling Engineer sought to lead high-fidelity CFD modeling using FDS for fire dynamics, heat transfer, and fluid flow. Responsibilities include developing and refining CFD models, coordinating with experimental teams for validation data, integrating results into model validation frameworks, providing technical leadership and mentorship, presenting work to clients and industry groups, authoring technical reports and publications, and supporting strategy related to physics-based modeling and methodology development. Requires a graduate engineering degree in thermal-fluid sciences, 15+ years of CFD experience (including FDS), deep FDS guide knowledge, strong programming (Python/Fortran), exceptional analytical and communication skills, and U.S. citizenship.
Required Qualifications
- Graduate degree in engineering with a focus on thermal-fluid sciences
- 15+ years of professional experience applying CFD tools (including FDS) to fire dynamics, heat transfer, and fluid-flow problems across commercial and applied research projects
- Directly relevant post-graduate research may count for up to five years of this experience
- Deep working knowledge of the FDS Validation Guide, Technical Reference Guide, and User Guide
- Advanced understanding of Radiation transport equations, Gas-phase absorption coefficients, Pyrolysis modeling within the FDS framework
- Demonstrated experience using experimental fire test data to validate and refine numerical models
- Knowledge of numerical modeling approaches and their limitations, particularly for large-scale or outdoor fire scenarios
- Proficiency in Python and Fortran or similar scientific programming languages
- Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex modeling results to technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary technical environment
- U.S. Citizen required.
Apply with one swipe on Sorce. We auto-fill applications and apply on your behalf — no cover letters, no 40-minute forms.
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.