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Freelance Cfd Software Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Engineering Remuneration: Exempt The Site Assessment & Suitability team is a key technical ... and CFD software is desirable. * Familiarity with acoustic analysis tools (WindPRO, CadnaA ...

Experience with CFD tools and simulation methods * Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks ... Experience with CNC programming (highly desirable) * Exposure to product validation, testing, and ...

Experience with CFD tools and simulation methods * Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks ... Experience with CNC programming (highly desirable) * Exposure to product validation, testing, and ...

Experience with CFD tools and simulation methods * Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks ... Experience with CNC programming (highly desirable) * Exposure to product validation, testing, and ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

... CFD in the design process. * Good understanding of fluid dynamics and simulation/analysis software ... Active member of engineering societies (SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc.) * Experience as a US patent inventor ...

... CFD in the design process. * Good understanding of fluid dynamics and simulation/analysis software ... Active member of engineering societies (SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc.) * Experience as a US patent inventor ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Cfd Software Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$59

$98

How much do freelance cfd software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance cfd software developer in Chicago, IL is $59.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $65.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Cfd Software Developer vs Cfd Engineer?

AspectFreelance Cfd Software DeveloperCfd Engineer
CredentialsTypically self-taught or with specialized certifications; no formal degree requiredUsually requires a degree in engineering, physics, or related fields; professional certifications are common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIn-house or consulting roles within companies or research institutions
Industry UsageUsed by clients across various industries for custom CFD solutionsEmployed by organizations to develop, test, and optimize CFD models

While both roles involve CFD expertise, a Freelance Cfd Software Developer primarily works independently on custom software projects, whereas a Cfd Engineer typically works within a team or organization to develop and apply CFD models. The developer focuses on coding and software creation, while the engineer emphasizes application and analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfd Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cfd Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Cfd Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Cfd Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Cfd Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Cfd Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Cfd Software Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,835 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

AI / Simulation Staff Engineer Fire and Explosion

UL Solutions

Northbrook, IL

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


UL Solutions rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The UL Solutions Modeling and Simulation team and Research and Development team are seeking a driven and team-oriented individual to work with us on modeling and simulation of emerging fire and explosion safety problems. Many of these problems will focus on the energy and fire protection industries, including lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, battery energy storage system gas explosions and fires in the built environment. Robust knowledge of heat transfer, combustion, material decomposition, fire dynamics and computational fluid dynamics is required. Robust knowledge of state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics software and finite element analysis software is also required. A successful candidate will be creative, curious, adaptable to a fast-paced and multi-disciplined environment and willing to work collaboratively with a team of other engineers and scientists to problem solve.

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

  • BS in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, combustion science, computational fluid dynamics or other relevant disciplines is required. MS or PhD preferred.  
  • MS or PhD requires 8-12 years of relevant work experience. BS requires 10-14 years of relevant work experience.  
  • Experience in advanced modeling and simulation of fluid flows, combustion and heat transfer is required. Experience in modeling deflagrations and fire dynamics is preferred.
  • Experience in commercial CFD software and codes is required. Experience in Ansys, OpenFoam, ConvergeCFD, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Flame Acceleration Simulator (FLACS) is preferred.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of engineering disciplines and other sciences.  
  • Demonstrates the ability to maintain academic and applied knowledge through reading academic articles and journals and participating in continuing education activities.
  • Demonstrates the ability to collaborate with peers directly and maintain personal networks.
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills are required.
  • Can work independently. Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services. 

What you'll experience working for ULS 

UL Solutions has been pioneering change since 1894 and we're still leading the way. From day one, we've blazed a trail protecting the planet and everyone on it. Our teams have influenced billions of products, plus services, software offerings and more. We break things, burn things and blow things up. All in the name of safety science. 

That's where you come in - because none of it could happen without you. It takes passion to protect people, problem-solving to safeguard personal data and conviction to make the world a more sustainable place. It takes bold ideas and brilliant minds to build a better world for future generations across the globe.  

This is more than a job. It's a calling. A passion to use our expertise and play our part in creating a more secure, sustainable world today - and tomorrow. As a member of our safety science community, you'll use your ideas, your energy and your ambition to innovate, challenge and ultimately, help create a safer world. 

Everyone here is unique. But we're also a global community, working together to help create a safer world. Join UL Solutions and you can connect with the brightest minds in the business, all bringing their distinct perspectives and diverse backgrounds together to deliver real change. 

Empowering our customers to keep the world safe means thinking ahead. It means investing in training and empowering our people to learn and innovate. At UL Solutions, we help build a better future - one where everyone benefits. 

Join UL Solutions to be at the center of safety. To learn more about us and the work we do, visitUL.com

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $115,000 to $155,000 USD and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).

#LI-SG2

#LI-Hybrid 

  • Under general direction, build computational models of physical phenomena such as vented deflagrations, fire suppression, fire spread, material thermal decomposition and fluid flows for internal and external client projects using commercially available software packages.  
  • Apply fundamental understanding of the relevant physics and chemistry to create computational models of scenarios with sound assumptions and reasoning. 
  • Carry out engineering analyses and simulation engineering work, including pre-processing and post processing of simulation projects, documentation of the simulation inputs and key output parameters, and timely completion.  
  • Assess project specifications, determine simulation tools, and analyze results for adequacy and accuracy.  
  • Under general direction, devise and participate in hands-on laboratory work for model validation efforts
  • Complete technical reports of work completed, including all information and details about modeling strategy, approach and outcome.   
  • Communicate with internal and external clients to develop and manage projects from start to finish. 
  • Work across industries / segments, collaborate with key stakeholders, and provide timeline communications to both internal and external stakeholders.  
  • Have a team player mindset, giving priority to team goals and maintaining good team relationships. 
  • Stay ahead of changing technologies in the field by reading journals and scientific publications, attending academic conferences, writing, and collaborating on original publications, and delivering presentations on research engineering topics. 
  • Collaborate with industry, academics and other research and development staff to apply the results of modeling and simulation efforts used to develop new techniques, products, practices, and UL Standards. 
  • Where appropriate, present projects and findings at academic and industry conferences.

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