Mechanical & Structural Simulation Engineer (OpenFOAM / OpenSees) – Remote Freelance

About The RoleWhat 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 the Netherlands 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 international teams pushing the boundaries of engineering simulation.Type: Hourly ContractLocation: RemoteCommitment: 10–40 hours/weekWhat You'll DoDevelop, configure, and run CFD simulations using OpenFOAM for fluid flow, heat transfer, and multiphysics problemsBuild and execute nonlinear structural and seismic analysis models using OpenSees for structural systems and componentsSet up meshing, boundary conditions, material models, and solver configurations for complex engineering scenariosValidate simulation results against experimental data, analytical benchmarks, or design code requirementsPost-process, visualize, and interpret simulation outputs to extract actionable engineering insightsDocument methodologies, assumptions, and results clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholdersTroubleshoot convergence issues, mesh sensitivity, and numerical instabilitiesCollaborate asynchronously with multidisciplinary engineering teams on project deliverablesWho You AreDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering, or a closely related field (B.Sc. minimum; M.Sc. or Ph.D. preferred)Demonstrated proficiency with OpenFOAM for CFD applications and/or OpenSees for structural/seismic analysisStrong understanding of continuum mechanics, finite element methods, and/or computational fluid dynamics fundamentalsComfortable working in Linux environments and using command-line tools, scripting (Python, Bash, or Tcl), and version controlAble to interpret and critically evaluate simulation results with engineering judgmentSelf-motivated and reliable when working independently on technically demanding tasksClear written communicator in English — able to produce well-organized technical reports and documentationNice to HaveExperience with both OpenFOAM and OpenSees across interdisciplinary projectsFamiliarity with ParaView, Gmsh, Salome, or other pre/post-processing toolsBackground in wind engineering, offshore engineering, hydraulic engineering, fluid-structure interaction, or performance-based designExperience with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters for large-scale simulationsKnowledge of other simulation frameworks (ANSYS, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, COMSOL) for cross-validationPublished research or project portfolio demonstrating simulation workExperience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior engineersWhy Join UsWork on technically challenging, real-world engineering simulation projectsFully remote and flexible — set your own hours and work from anywhereApply your niche expertise in open-source simulation tools to meaningful workCollaborate with experienced engineers and researchers across disciplinesFreelance autonomy with the structure of well-defined, project-based deliverablesPotential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch