Professionals in CFD: A Conversation with Margarita Campos

What does it take to go from a mechanical engineering classroom in Buenos Aires to validating different turbomachinery models at Cadence? 

For Margarita Campos, a turbomachinery product engineer at Cadence, it started with curiosity—and a master’s thesis that changed everything. In this edition of Professionals in CFD, Cadence marketing writer Veena Parthan speaks with Margarita to learn about her dual degrees, rotating detonation engines, her love for her work, and the surprising non-technical career she might have chosen instead.

Veena Parthan: Tell us something about yourself.

Margarita Campos: I’m originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I completed my early education before entering mechanical engineering school. Unlike many other countries, in Argentina, the program is a comprehensive five-year degree that integrates both bachelor’s and master’s level studies.

During my fourth year, I had the opportunity to enroll in a double-degree program with the Politecnico di Torino in Italy. This allowed me to spend two additional years studying in Italy and graduating with dual master’s degrees in mechanical engineering—one from Argentina and one from Italy.

Though the process extended my studies, it was an incredibly enriching experience that proved invaluable for both personal growth and professional opportunities. Living abroad not only broadened my global perspective but also facilitated my ability to pursue career opportunities within Europe.

Veena Parthan: That sounds like a fascinating academic journey across continents. Before stepping into a full-time role, did you have the chance to gain any industry experience through internships?

Margarita Campos:  Yes, I completed a short internship with Ethos Energy in Italy, a company specializing in the life extension of turbines and turbomachinery equipment. This stint provided me with exposure to industry practices and enhanced my understanding of workflows within a professional setting. Most of my prior experience was academic, including assisting in university courses, so this internship introduced me to a more established industrial environment and workplace culture.

Veena Parthan: It’s interesting how those early experiences help shape career direction. So how did you first get into CFD?

Margarita Campos:  Interestingly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) wasn’t a big part of my coursework. My program was more general mechanical engineering, or oriented to structural analysis.

My interest in CFD developed during my master’s thesis. I worked with a PhD student researching rotating detonation engines and how their outflow could be integrated into an axial turbine. My research examined the impact of inlet end-wall diffusion on axial turbine secondary flows and overall performance.

As part of the study, I conducted CFD simulations to analyze secondary flow structures and vortices and their influence on turbine efficiency. It was my first experience performing detailed simulation work beyond theoretical concepts, and it quickly became clear that CFD was an area I wanted to pursue further.

Veena Parthan: That thesis clearly played an important role in shaping your interest in simulation. Today, what is your role at Cadence, and what does your day-to-day work look like?

Margarita Campos:  I’m part of the turbomachinery product engineering team at Cadence. My work is primarily focused on validating the Fidelity Flow Solver.

My work involves running various cases, experimenting with different configurations, and assessing how changes affect results to validate new models as they are introduced. Additionally, I am involved in developing benchmarks and best practices, as well as offering second-line support for advanced customer concerns.

I really enjoy that I get to work through the full workflow—meshing, setting up, and running the simulations, and analyzing results. It is a highly hands-on and exploratory role, which aligns perfectly with my interests.

Veena Parthan: It sounds like a role that combines both technical depth and experimentation. Looking ahead, where do you see your career evolving in the future?

Margarita Campos: At this point in my career, I feel deeply fulfilled by my work. My genuine passion for turbomachinery and computational fluid dynamics drives me, and I plan to continue building my expertise and contribution in this field for the foreseeable future.

However, I remain open to exploring new career directions as I advance professionally. Roles that involve a stronger focus on customer interaction or design-oriented projects could be exciting prospects down the line.

Being at an early stage in my professional journey, my priority is to continue learning, growing, and navigating toward a career path that best aligns with my evolving skills, interests, and aspirations.

Veena Parthan: It’s always fascinating to see how careers evolve with new experiences. On a lighter note, if you had to choose a completely non-technical career, what would it be?

Margarita Campos: That’s a tough one! But probably law. Opposed to engineering, which is very logical and black-and-white, law is more nuanced and human.

Of course, I’m very happy with engineering—but if I had to pick something totally different, that might be it.

Veena Parthan: That’s quite an interesting contrast. Outside of engineering and simulations, what activities do you enjoy most in your free time?

Margarita Campos:  I am an avid reader and have been a member of a book club since high school. The group is quite unique, as most of the members are literature professors or translators, while I bring a different perspective as an engineer. This diversity allows me to engage with individuals from various professional and cultural backgrounds.

We typically select a book to read collectively and then engage in in-depth discussions. While our opinions on the books we read may vary—some we adore, others not as much—the conversations are consistently thought-provoking.

I also have a strong passion for traveling. Having lived in Argentina, Italy, and now Belgium, travel has become an integral part of my lifestyle, offering me opportunities to immerse myself in diverse cultures and broaden my worldview.

Veena Parthan: Those experiences definitely bring a broader perspective beyond engineering. Finally, what advice would you give students or fresh graduates who want to enter the CFD industry?

Margarita Campos:  My advice would be to maintain a mindset of continuous learning. CFD is a highly complex and dynamic field, so having strong foundational knowledge is essential.

Never hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance when needed — curiosity and a willingness to learn are vital. Since this field is always advancing, it provides endless opportunities for growth, making it both challenging and highly rewarding.

For those pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, I would emphasize the value of building a strong support network. Surround yourself with individuals who genuinely support and believe in your capabilities. Even if the representation of women in the field may be limited, mentors and colleagues who encourage your growth can make all the difference in your professional journey.

Closing Thoughts

From Buenos Aires classrooms to European research labs and now solver validation at Cadence, Margarita’s journey shows how curiosity and openness can shape a meaningful career in CFD. Whether she’s analyzing turbomachinery flows or debating books at her monthly book club, she brings the same thoughtful energy to everything she does.

And for her, that continuous learning mindset is what matters most.

“I’m still learning every day,” she says. “But I really enjoy what I’m doing, and that’s the most important part.”

Read our previous conversations with CFD professionals who are shaping the future of simulation and leadership in technical fields.