Thermal & CFD Simulation Engineer

Support thermal simulation and cooling analysis for PCB assemblies and electronic systems. In this remote freelance project, you'll build and validate simulation workflows that evaluate temperature distribution, heat dissipation and cooling performance.

What you'll do

• Perform thermal analysis of PCB assemblies, components and enclosures.
• Build CFD models to evaluate airflow, thermal hotspots and cooling effectiveness.
• Use OpenFOAM for simulation and Gmsh or equivalent tools for geometry preparation and meshing.
• Define boundary conditions, material properties, power losses and simulation parameters.
• Develop Python automation and post-processing workflows.
• Check mesh independence, convergence and numerical stability, and compare results against analytical calculations or reference data.
• Document modelling assumptions, limitations and verification evidence.

What we're looking for

• Practical experience in CFD and thermal simulation, supported by strong heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge of conduction, natural and forced convection, radiation, thermal boundary conditions and heat-source modelling.
• Experience with OpenFOAM or equivalent CFD tools and familiarity with Gmsh or other mesh-generation tools.
• Python scripting for automation and simulation post-processing.
• Ability to assess simulation accuracy and interpret results.

Preferred background

• A bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical, Thermal, Aerospace or a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of relevant CFD, thermal engineering or electronics-cooling experience.
• Experience with PCB thermal analysis, power electronics, semiconductor cooling or electronic enclosures.

Project details

The expected engagement is approximately 13 weeks, with potential for extension. Availability for 40 hours per week is required, and the team is looking for someone who can start soon. Selection includes an AI interview and an interview with the delivery team.

Compensation

$16 USD/hour.