Mechanical Engineer

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for an experienced Engineer skilled in modeling and simulation with a strong emphasis on computational fluid dynamics and combustion. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fluid mechanics and numerical methods, writing custom code and running complex simulations and will be responsible for developing new analytical tools with the team, conducting high-fidelity simulations, and reporting results for design and engineering decisions.

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit

At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Primary Responsibilities

• Code Development: Write, test, and deploy new simulation codes and scripts to solve unique engineering problems that off-the-shelf software cannot address.
• CFD Analysis: Setup, run, and analyze complex 2D and 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for various fluid flow and thermal systems.
• Modeling & Simulation: Develop robust mathematical and physics-based models to simulate mechanical system behaviors under diverse operational conditions.
• Validation & Verification: Correlate simulation results with physical test data to validate and refine computational models.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with design and test engineers to provide actionable insights derived from simulation outputs.
• Technical Reporting: Document methodologies, code architecture, and simulation results in comprehensive technical reports and briefings.

Basic Qualifications

• Education - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field. (Advanced degree – MS or Ph.D. – is highly preferred).
• Experience -5+ years of demonstrated professional experience in modeling, simulation, and complex fluid dynamics analysis.
• CFD Expertise - Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in running complex models using industry-standard tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+) as well as custom environments.
• Programing skills - Strong proficiency in writing new code for numerical methods and simulation (e.g., C++, Python, Fortran, or MATLAB).
• Analytical Skills - Ability to translate complex physical phenomena into accurate mathematical models and interpret high-volume simulation data.
• Communication - Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-team collaboration.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling.

Pay Range

Pay Range: Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to View email address on click.appcast.io.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.