Senior CFD / Thermal Systems Engineer

Location: Sterling Heights, MI (Onsite)

Pay Rate: $65–$75/hr (W2)

Employment Type: Long-Term Contract with Potential for Direct Hire

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer to support advanced vehicle design and thermal management programs. This role will focus on system and sub-system level CFD simulations to optimize cooling performance and overall thermal efficiency across multiple GDLS vehicle platforms. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and experience working in complex defense or automotive engineering environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform system and sub-system level CFD analysis to support vehicle design optimization
• Execute complete system simulations to validate cooling performance and thermal management requirements
• Serve as a technical leader coordinating CFD design efforts across multiple platforms
• Develop and support test plans and validation activities
• Conduct correlation studies between CFD simulation results and physical test data
• Perform CFD modeling and analysis using ANSA and FLUENT software tools
• Improve simulation strategies, workflows, and toolsets to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Collaborate closely with design engineers and project teams throughout development cycles
• Provide technical recommendations, project status updates, and engineering insights
• Prepare detailed technical reports and documentation aligned with internal standards
• Support limited travel (less than 10%) to off-site locations as needed
• Work occasional evenings or weekends to support program deadlines when required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline)
• 7+ years of hands-on CFD and thermal analysis experience
• Strong foundation in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
• Advanced proficiency with ANSA for model preparation
• Extensive experience performing CFD analysis using FLUENT
• Demonstrated success optimizing vehicle thermal and cooling system performance
• Experience working in Windows and Linux/Unix computing environments
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex engineering tasks with minimal oversight
• Strong communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to present complex technical data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Teams

Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools
• Familiarity with Teamcenter and CAD platforms such as Creo, NX, and VisMockup
• Experience using optimization tools (Isight, HEEDS, etc.)
• Background in MATLAB/Simulink and multi-domain simulation tools
• Experience applying AI-based methods to engineering analysis strongly preferred
• Prior experience supporting ground combat vehicle programs is a plus
• Ability to work on and around military vehicles and meet ASR (Anthropometric Size Requirement) standards
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

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