Mechanical & Structural Simulation Engineer (OpenFOAM / OpenSees) (14)

Mechanical & Structural Simulation Engineer (OpenFOAM / OpenSees)

What if your simulation expertise could directly shape how the next generation of structures and systems are designed, tested, and validated? We're looking for engineers in the Houston area — and across Texas — with hands-on proficiency in OpenFOAM (computational fluid dynamics) and/or OpenSees (structural/earthquake engineering analysis) to contribute to advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis projects.

Whether your background is in mechanical engineering, structural engineering, or both — if you're fluent in open-source simulation tools and passionate about solving complex physical problems, this role is for you.

This is a fully remote, flexible contract role. Bring your deep technical skills, work on challenging problems, and collaborate with teams pushing the boundaries of engineering simulation.

• Type: Hourly Contract
• Location: Remote
• Commitment: 10–40 hours/week

What You'll Do

• Develop, configure, and run CFD simulations using OpenFOAM for fluid flow, heat transfer, and multiphysics problems
• Build and execute nonlinear structural and seismic analysis models using OpenSees for structural systems and components
• Set up meshing, boundary conditions, material models, and solver configurations for complex engineering scenarios
• Validate simulation results against experimental data, analytical benchmarks, or design code requirements
• Post-process, visualize, and interpret simulation outputs to extract actionable engineering insights
• Document methodologies, assumptions, and results clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Troubleshoot convergence issues, mesh sensitivity, and numerical instabilities
• Collaborate asynchronously with multidisciplinary engineering teams on project deliverables

Who You Are

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering, or a closely related field (B.S. minimum; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)
• Demonstrated proficiency with OpenFOAM for CFD applications and/or OpenSees for structural/seismic analysis
• Strong understanding of continuum mechanics, finite element methods, and/or computational fluid dynamics fundamentals
• Comfortable working in Linux environments and using command-line tools, scripting (Python, Bash, or Tcl), and version control
• Able to interpret and critically evaluate simulation results with engineering judgment
• Self-motivated and reliable when working independently on technically demanding tasks
• Clear written communicator — able to produce well-organized technical reports and documentation

Nice to Have

• Experience with both OpenFOAM and OpenSees across interdisciplinary projects
• Familiarity with ParaView, Gmsh, Salome, or other pre/post-processing tools
• Background in wind engineering, earthquake engineering, fluid-structure interaction, or performance-based design
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters for large-scale simulations
• Knowledge of other simulation frameworks (ANSYS, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, COMSOL) for cross-validation
• Published research or project portfolio demonstrating simulation work
• Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior engineers

Why Join Us

• Work on technically challenging, real-world engineering simulation projects
• Fully remote and flexible — set your own hours and work from anywhere
• Apply your niche expertise in open-source simulation tools to meaningful work
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and researchers across disciplines
• Freelance autonomy with the structure of well-defined, project-based deliverables
• Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch