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Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Quantum Computing Engineer I

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

SQMS is seeking a quantum computing engineer to study device performance and improve measurement ... Synthetizing and analyzing complex high-frequency RF signals for the implementation of quantum ...

Our global High Performance Computing Team is looking to add a Production Engineer in our Chicago office. The scale of our computing environments provides unique challenges in providing good ...

Our global High Performance Computing Team is looking to add a Production Engineer in our Chicago office. The scale of our computing environments provides unique challenges in providing good ...

HPC Production Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Our global High Performance Computing Team is looking to add a Production Engineer in our Chicago office. The scale of our computing environments provides unique challenges in providing good ...

... and high-performance computing (HPC). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to ... With more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers in 25 countries, we help solve ...

The Lead Software Engineer will be our most senior software engineer, leading and managing software ... high performance computing and electronic trading Facilitate and participate in sharing best ...

The Lead Software Engineer will be our most senior software engineer, leading and managing software ... high performance computing and electronic trading Facilitate and participate in sharing best ...

... High Performance Computing, HPC, Distributed Systems, CUDA, PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, Neural Networks, Transformer Models, Retrieval Augmented Generation, RAG, Synthetic Data, Data Engineering, Data ...

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

What You Will Do Grid & High-Performance Computing * Own and evolve Aquatic's Slurm and Ray cluster ... Developer Experience & Automation * Design and maintain provisioning systems for complex compute ...

What You Will Do Grid & High-Performance Computing * Own and evolve Aquatic's Slurm and Ray cluster ... Developer Experience & Automation * Design and maintain provisioning systems for complex compute ...

... high-performance computing deployments, supporting the advancement of AI computing with precision, speed, and minimal downtime. Our network of 1,000+ field engineers operates globally, tackling the ...

Data Center Technician

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$22 - $35/hr

... high-performance computing deployments, supporting the advancement of AI computing with precision, speed, and minimal downtime. Our network of 1,000+ field engineers operates globally, tackling the ...

Experience with high-performance computing, scalable memory allocation, and/or task scheduling * Knowledge of high-performance programming language such as C++ or Golang * Excellent ability to ...

Experience with high-performance computing, scalable memory allocation, and/or task scheduling * Knowledge of high-performance programming language such as C++ or Golang * Excellent ability to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$135.3K

$199.3K

How much do freelance high performance computing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance high performance computing engineer in Chicago, IL is $135,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $151,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineers typically collaborate with client teams during projects?

Freelance HPC Engineers often work closely with client engineering, research, or IT teams to design, implement, and optimize computational solutions. Collaboration usually occurs through regular virtual meetings, code reviews, and progress updates to ensure alignment with project goals and technical requirements. Clear communication and documentation are essential, as freelancers may need to integrate their work into larger systems or hand off projects to in-house teams. Building strong relationships and understanding the client's workflow help ensure successful project delivery and can lead to ongoing opportunities.

What is a Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer?

A Freelance High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and optimizing computing systems that handle complex, large-scale computations. They work independently or on a contract basis for different organizations, helping to develop and maintain supercomputers, clusters, and parallel processing applications. Their expertise is often sought in fields like scientific research, finance, artificial intelligence, and engineering where processing large datasets quickly is essential. Freelancers in this field typically possess strong programming skills, knowledge of HPC architectures, and experience with performance tuning and troubleshooting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer, you need expertise in parallel programming, cluster management, and a strong background in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as MPI, OpenMP, Linux environments, and cloud-based HPC platforms, along with certifications in cloud services or HPC technologies, is highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set top freelancers apart when working with diverse clients. These competencies ensure the delivery of optimized, scalable solutions and effective collaboration in complex technical projects.

What is the difference between Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer vs Freelance Data Scientist?

AspectFreelance High Performance Computing EngineerFreelance Data Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in computer science, engineering, or related fields; knowledge of HPC systemsDegree in data science, statistics, or related fields; proficiency in programming and analytics
Work EnvironmentSpecialized computing clusters, research labs, or cloud HPC platformsData analysis environments, cloud platforms, and business analytics tools
Industry UsageResearch institutions, scientific computing, engineering simulations
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on high-performance computing tasks, technical skills

While both roles involve advanced technical skills, Freelance High Performance Computing Engineers specialize in optimizing and managing large-scale computing resources for scientific and engineering applications. Freelance Data Scientists focus on analyzing data to extract insights for business or research purposes. The key difference lies in their core focus: HPC engineers work with hardware and system performance, whereas data scientists work with data analysis and modeling.

What are the most commonly searched types of High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $135,308 per year, or $65.1 per hour.
Quantum Computing Engineer I

Quantum Computing Engineer I

Fermilab

Batavia, IL โ€ข On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:
$79,300.00-$104,400.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
This position does not provide relocation or sponsorship.
About the Role:
SQMS is seeking a quantum computing engineer to study device performance and improve measurement techniques. You will utilize advanced knowledge of engineering as well as computing, hardware, or physics, to perform experimental research in the use of superconducting quantum systems and quantum physics.
What your day-to-day as a Quantum Computing Engineer at Fermilab will look like:
  • Designing moderately complex quantum computing software/hardware interfaces and/or training platforms. Depending on area of assignment, may focus on quantum computing, quantum sensing, materials, and/or quantum physics experiments.
  • Assisting in application of quantum computing technologies to SQMS projects, including but not limited to superconducting cavities.
  • Integrating and testing microwave systems for superconducting quantum computing.
  • Deploying hardware and software controls for qubit characterization and readout, as well as supporting scientific experiments through hands-on work with quantum computing testbeds.
  • Understanding and elaborating system design of hardware architecture.
  • Designing analogue conditioning circuits and digital signal processing systems.
  • Synthetizing and analyzing complex high-frequency RF signals for the implementation of quantum gates and microwave pulses.
  • Automating measurements, controls, data acquisition, and processing on quantum computing testbeds.
  • Participating in design and testing efforts. Monitoring test and facility operations to isolate and define functional problems with equipment. Developing and proposing plans and improvements to rectify problems and meet project goals.
  • Writing scientific papers, technical documents, and engineering notes.
  • Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Abiding by and being responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success:
  • Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering or Physics and 1+ years of professional engineering experience
  • or a Master's/PhD in Electronics Engineering or Physics (post-degree experience a plus).

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Solid experience in Python scripting using scientific computing tools and instrument control.
  • Ability to collaboratively multi-task within a highly matrixed team environment.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with professionals in other disciplines.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.
  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
Pre-Employment Screening:
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
HSPD-12
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.