CFD stands for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It is a branch of engineering that deals with computer models to simulate the physical world. Its application is popular in many industries like – aerospace, manufacturing, and automotive. All CFD engineers use specialized software to create digital representations of real-world problems. After creating these digital representations, the engineers run simulations on these models to predict how different variables will affect the outcomes. Through this process, the engineers can test new designs or identify areas for improvement before they are built.
In the past few years, various engineering product companies have shown interest in performing design simulation studies at different production stages to give tough market competition. It has led to the increased requirement of skilled CFD engineers and has proved it a great career option for engineers looking forward to making a career as a CFD Engineer. But, many students struggle to know the required skills by various industries for a fresher to qualify as a CFD engineer. Some students who get into the premium institutes see the career path and are directly a breakthrough as a CFD engineer through campus recruitment. But, the remaining students face challenges in pursuing their dreams. The only remaining option for these students is to choose the conventional route available in manufacturing that feels like a routine and becomes uninteresting after some time. It would be great if these students were provided with a proper career path and the opportunities available at the early stages of engineering.
A guide to making a career as CFD Engineer
Prepare early:
The suitable time to prepare for this can be the same stage when you get introduced to the fundamental subject of CFD engineering during your engineering degree. These subjects are:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Thermodynamics
- Transport Phenomena
- 0.2 offset yield strength
These subjects are often taught in the third semester or the second year of engineering. These subjects are the foundation for much conceptual understanding to be further developed. Therefore, one should focus on these subjects during the course:
- Fundamentals to help you understand the physical flow of behavior.
- Numerical methods to create an understanding of how a CFD code behaves.
- CFD software handson, to make you understand how the numerical methods are applied to the physics of fluids.
Apart from the subjects mentioned above, one should always try to take up elective subjects, projects in CFD, or other courses. If you do not get proper exposure to the projects or these subjects, you should opt for professional training programs or industry internships. Some of the best computational fluid dynamics courses for aspiring CFD engineers are:
- Post-graduate program in computational fluid dynamics
- Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 1)
- Maya Bootcamp – Projects-based course
- Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 2)
- OpenFOAM CFD
Resume Shortlist:
One should never forget about the importance of a resume. The resume should speak for you. The job requirements and skills, as per your resume, should match. The seminars and projects done during your master’s or bachelor’s could act as work experience, and you can describe them during your interviews with the hiring company. Companies generally look for:
- College/University
- Grades in UG/PG
- Project or Seminar worked
- Industry Internship
- Publication work
Written Test:
The written test is the second step after the resume shortlisting. The written test is based on technical subjects of engineering like:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
- Quantitative
- Software Test
Personal Interview
If you qualify for the written test and get shortlisted, the personal interview would be the last step for your hiring. The above two phases were designed to test your technical knowledge. Now in this round, the company wants to know you as a person and your conceptual understanding. Therefore, you should confidently answer all the questions asked of you. The interviewer will test your knowledge of the subjects, clarity and communication skills.
If you clear the interview round, you are officially hired as a CFD engineer.
