Simulation Engineer - CFD & Structural Analysis (OpenFOAM / OpenSees) (46)

Simulation Engineer – CFD & Structural Analysis (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 based in Sydney and across Australia 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.Eng. minimum; M.Eng. 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