Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer Jobs in Kennewick, WA

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn’t be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet’s greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

• Perform a variety of more complex non-standard engineering and new-to-you assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems, and resolution of quality events.
• Perform independent review of department work products, risk assessments, Apparent Cause Analyses, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis etc.
• Propose solutions and work scope to Supervisor, work autonomously on most assignments and solutions.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.
• Independently evaluate, select and apply a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making more complex adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.
• Develop new or adapted products, methods, systems or models to provide added value solutions to customers.
• Understand impact of work on other organizations internally and externally.
• Work on special projects, as directed.
• Provide suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.
• Actively participates in technical communications with internal customers.

• Experience in research and development of numerical methods, testing, and licensing of safety-related products for nuclear power plants, with the ability to apply these methods to real‑world engineering challenges.

• High level programming experience in C, C++, and Python, including writing robust, maintainable, and high‑performance scientific or engineering software.

• Hands‑on experience with engineering software for nuclear plant simulation, particularly thermal‑hydraulic analysis tools such as RELAP5and CFD platforms such as STAR‑CCM+, is strongly preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, with proven strengths in attention to detail, time management, adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Comprehensive understanding of the mathematics and physics underlying nuclear power plant design and operation, including thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reactor systems behavior.

Your work will include developing, maintaining, and applying advanced thermal‑hydraulic methodologiesand numerical models that directly influence the performance of Framatome’s BWR fuelin thecommercial reactor fleet. You will have opportunities to use tools such as RELAP5 for system‑level thermal‑hydraulic evaluations and STAR‑CCM+ for detailed CFD analyses to support fuel design, and performance assessments. Your analyses will help advance Framatome’s predictive capabilities, improve fuel reliability, and enable the deployment of new or enhanced methodologies to meet evolving customer and regulatory needs.

In this role, you will collaborate with internalexperts, utility customers, and regulatory authoritiesas new methods, models, and simulation improvements are implemented across the fleet. Your work will support high‑visibility decisions related to safety analysis, operational margins, and product qualification. As you gainproficiencyin specific analytical areas, you may progress into technical leadership roles such asmethodologyowner or step into an advisory role, contributing to the long‑term direction of Framatome’s analytical tools and shaping the broader technical landscape of the nuclear industry.

The BWR Thermal Hydraulics Codes and Methodsgroup is part of Framatome’s Fuel Development organization, where engineers develop the analytical tools and methodologies that underpin the performance, safety, and licensing of our BWR fuel products. This team leads the development of next generation thermal hydraulic models, system codes, and high fidelitysimulationsthat support both ongoing fleet operations and future reactor needs. Engineers here work closely with design teams, safety analysts, testing organizations, and customer utilities to ensure our methodsremainstate of the artand responsive to emerging industry challenges. As nuclear energy experiences renewed global growth, the group plays a critical role in advancing Framatome’s capabilities and shaping the analytical landscape for the commercial BWR fleet.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.
• Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
• Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Advanced problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Displays leadership characteristics.
• Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.
• Advanced proficiency with specialized software tools and programming languages as required by the role.

• Salary: $128,000 - $142,000and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

• Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
• Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
• Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE810AppendixA).