Senior Computational Fluid Dynamicist

About the Company

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis.

About the Job

We are developing a core technology that will operate in the most extreme marine environments for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention. Advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is essential to our ability to design and refine this technology.

As a Senior Computational Fluid Dynamicist, you will execute critical components of our CFD modeling and simulation strategy. You will take ownership of the full simulation workflow and play a central role in shaping simulation and process automation methodologies, evaluating and validating the performance of novel marine systems, and mentoring junior engineers. You’ll help us push the boundaries of marine CFD in a highly dynamic, mission-driven environment. 

The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, exceptional analytical reasoning, and a strong foundation in fundamental physics-based modeling. We’re looking for a hands-on problem solver with experience simulating real-world systems and who thrives in collaborative, fast-evolving teams. We expect you to be especially strong in analysis and to focus on first-principles, fundamental-physics approaches to problem-solving. 

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries. We are organized as a public benefit corporation and are backed by leading venture capital firms, private investors, philanthropic investors, and endowments.

We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet and we compensate our team members accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the complete CFD simulation workflow using OpenFOAM, Helyx, and or Star-CCM+.
• Fully own CAD integration, meshing, simulation, troubleshooting, and post-processing.
• Develop, validate, and refine simulation setups for multi-phase turbulent marine flows involving fluid-structure interaction in complex metocean environments.
• Design and lead verification and validation efforts to ensure simulation accuracy and confidence.
• Contribute to the development of robust process automation pipelines including interconnecting multi-fidelity CFD tools.
• Run simulation workflow on high-performance computing platforms including on-premises and cloud-based HPC systems. 
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to translate physical principles into real-world design insights.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and contribute to the development of internal tools, documentation, and best practices.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the team and influence engineering decision-making with simulation data.

Required Qualifications

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Bachelor's Degree in Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a similar field.
• Strong grounding in marine hydrodynamics, rigid body dynamics, and physics-based modeling.
• Ability to use first-principles and fundamental physics to make judgement calls on what tools are best suited to evaluate unique marine systems. 
• Expert-level mastery of RANS-based CFD solvers such as OpenFOAM, Helyx, Star-CCM+.
• Proficient in CAD modeling (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, Rhino) and CAD-to-CFD workflows.
• Demonstrated experience running end-to-end CFD simulations, including meshing, convergence studies, and advanced post-processing.
• Proficient in interpreting and visualizing complex CFD datasets.
• Strong background HPC systems from a user perspective including managing large-scale simulations.
• Working knowledge of Linux environments and scripting workflows.
• Confidence working independently to drive projects forward towards completion. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with simulating multi-phase turbulent marine flows with fluid-structure interaction in OpenFOAM, Helyx, and or Star-CCM+.
• Master’s or PhD in Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a similar field.
• 5+ years of industry or research experience in CFD with increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience simulating novel or unconventional marine systems.
• Working knowledge of frequency and time domain BEM solvers. 
• Experience in building CFD automation pipelines. 
• Experience with Python, C++, Julia, or another similar programming language.
• Experience with physical model testing in wave basins, tow tanks, or other test facilities. 
• Experience in startup environments or fast-paced R&D teams; comfortable with ambiguity, proactive in shaping work, and adaptable to change.
• A record of mentorship, knowledge-sharing (seminars, technical documentation), or leadership in simulation communities.
• Experience administering or customizing Linux-based simulation environments.

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional extended hours or weekend work to support key milestones.
• Strong preference for candidates based in Portland, OR. Exceptional remote candidates will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $155,000–$185,000.
• Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Dental insurance (the company pays 33% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
  • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
  • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

Location

We have a preference for candidates based in Portland, OR. However this role can be remote with regular travel to our offices. Our offices, lab and shop, are located in Portland, Oregon.