Chapel Hill, NC or Fort Collins, CO | Summer 2026  |  Multiple Positions Available | $18/hour | 30 hours/week

Hydraulic Engineering CFD Modeling User Guidance Development

Flow Science is seeking motivated civil and hydraulic engineering students for paid summer internships. Interns will help develop user guidance for FLOW-3D HYDRO, our industry-leading CFD software for civil and environmental hydraulics applications. Each intern will focus on a specific hydraulic application — running validation simulations, comparing results against published experimental or analytical data, and producing clear, practical modeling guidance.

Interns will perform validation testing and develop user guidance for a specific hydraulic application. This includes conducting CFD simulations, comparing results against benchmark data, and documenting modeling best practices in a format that helps practicing engineers get up to speed quickly on new applications areas.

Principal Responsibilities

• Execute validation simulations for an assigned hydraulic application
• Compare computational results against benchmark experimental or analytical data
• Document modeling approaches, mesh parameters, boundary conditions, and best practices
• Evaluate mesh convergence and other modeling parameters sensitivities
• Produce user guidance materials such as tutorials, validation reports, or application notes

Required Skills & Experience

• Junior standing or higher in Civil, Environmental, or a related Engineering program
• Strong coursework in fluid mechanics and/or hydraulics
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with periodic mentorship
• Prior CFD or hydraulic modeling experience is a plus, but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on expertise in computational hydraulic modeling and validation methodology
• Professional experience with industry-standard CFD software used by leading engineering firms
• Technical communication skills developed through mentorship with engineering experts
• A portfolio piece—a completed guidance document—that demonstrates your technical capabilities as well as your ability to effectively communicate your findings.

Project Selection

Projects span dam and spillway hydraulics, conveyance structures, rivers and environmental applications, water treatment, coastal engineering, and specialized model components. Applicants should select one project when they apply.