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Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer Jobs in Milpitas, CA

We are seeking a highly skilled High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer with a strong background in modeling and solving complex discrete optimization problems. The ideal candidate will demonstrate ...

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Introduction to the job We are seeking a highly motivated High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer to design, develop, deploy, and maintain cutting-edge computing platforms that enable advanced ...

Introduction to the job We are seeking a highly motivated High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer to design, develop, deploy, and maintain cutting-edge computing platforms that enable advanced ...

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Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer information

See Milpitas, CA salary details

$62.3K

$153.1K

$225.5K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance high performance computing engineer in Milpitas, CA is $153,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,400.00 and $171,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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.

How do freelance high performance computing 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 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 popular job titles related to Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA?

For Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA are:

What cities near Milpitas, CA are hiring for Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer jobs?

Cities near Milpitas, CA with the most Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer job openings in Milpitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,070 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

High Performance Computing Engineer

SLB

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer with a strong background in modeling and solving complex discrete optimization problems. The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in operations research, advanced mathematical programming, and quantum computing technologies. Your solutions will address challenges such as scheduling, logistics, resource allocation, object placement, bin packing and inversion for large, data-driven systems demanding exceptional performance and precision.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and optimize algorithms to solve large-scale discrete optimization problems, including scheduling, logistics, resource allocation, object placement, bin packing and inversion.
  • Apply advanced operations research techniques using linear programming, quadratic programming, and combinatorial optimization.
  • Develop and deploy heuristic and metaheuristic approaches (e.g., simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, Tabu search) for intractable or non-convex problems.
  • Leverage high-performance computing environments to scale and accelerate problem-solving, including multi-core, distributed, and cloud architectures.
  • Utilize quantum computing hardware (quantum annealers, gate model devices) and quantum-inspired technologies for problem modeling, algorithm implementation, and performance benchmarking.
  • Collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and domain experts to identify requirements, formulate models, and integrate solutions into operational workflows.
  • Conduct performance analysis, benchmarking, and continuous improvement of optimization solvers and pipelines.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends in quantum computing, operations research, and HPC to ensure the use of cutting-edge techniques.

Required Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or related fields.
  • Proven experience (3+ years preferred) tackling discrete optimization problems at scale, with a portfolio demonstrating end-to-end model implementation and solution.
  • Hands-on expertise in linear and quadratic programming, solver technologies (CPLEX, Gurobi, or equivalent).
  • Proficiency with heuristic/metaheuristic optimization techniques (simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, Tabu search, etc.).
  • Demonstrated experience with quantum computing technologies: quantum annealing (e.g., D-Wave), gate model platforms (e.g., IBM Qiskit, Google Cirq), and/or quantum-inspired optimization solvers.
  • Ability to work in high performance/distributed computing environments (HPC clusters, parallel programming, large-scale simulation).
  • Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, C++, or Julia, and relevant scientific computing libraries.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to translate business needs into technical requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing cross-platform optimization packages and APIs.
  • Familiarity with hybrid quantum-classical workflows.
  • Published research or open-source contributions in optimization or quantum computing fields.
  • Experience in domain-specific optimization (supply chain, logistics, manufacturing).

ALL APPLICANTS FOR U.S. ROLES MUST CAREFULLY READ ALL THE SUPPLEMENTAL U.S. SPECIFIC INFORMATION LISTED BELOW.
SLB is committed to a culture where everyone feels like they belong. To learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, please visit our Diversity & Inclusion | SLB (slb.com) page for more information.
When certifying your application, you are also certifying on reading and understanding all of the below supplemental information. For purposes of the application and the below information, Company shall be defined to mean SLB. Please note that the below supplemental information and the employment application are NOT a contract.
  1. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & VETERANS
    Company policy is to provide every individual a fair and equal opportunity to seek employment and advancement at the Company without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, veteran or military status, disability, creed, ancestry, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status or any factors protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are an "Equal Opportunity Employer". For more information please, refer to the latest version of "Know Your Rights" poster and the "Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster" located here: The Company is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
  2. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
    The Company will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation / modification to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability to assist in the hiring process, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you believe you require such assistance to complete the application or to participate in the interview process, please contact to request assistance. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.
  3. AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
    Pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all applicants who are offered and accept employment must produce documents establishing their identity and authorization for employment in the United States. These documents must be produced no later than seventy-two (72) hours after employment commences. In addition, all applicants who are offered and accept employment will be required to verify their employment authorization under oath by signing a USCIS Form I-9. SLB is an E-Verify employer.
  4. APPLICATION CERTIFICATION
    When applying to a job please read the application carefully before certifying that all of the answers you have given are true, accurate and complete. Ensure that you have read and fully understand the questions asked in the application. Unless noted otherwise, by certifying the application, you are also agreeing to and/or authorizing the following:
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    • You certify that you have read and understand all the supplemental information listed on the job description page for the job that you are applying for.
    • You authorize the Company to contact the education institutions that you have attended and for the Company to make any further investigations deemed necessary in connection with your application for employment.
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    • You release the Company and all affiliated persons and entities, as well as any person or institution that provides the Company with any lawful information about you, from any and all liability whatsoever resulting from any such lawful inquiry, investigation, or communication.
    • You agree that if hired, you will review and become familiar with all the rules and regulations of the Company.
    • You understand and agree that nothing in the application or supplement shall constitute an offer, a contract, or a guarantee of employment for a specific period of time.
    • If hired, you understand that your employment may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time, at the will of the Company or yourself, for any or no reason.
    • If hired, you understand that no supervisor or manager has authority to make an agreement to the contrary changing employment at-will.
    • If hired, you understand that the Company and all plan administrators shall have the maximum discretion permitted by law to administer, interpret, modify, discontinue, enhance, or otherwise change all policies, procedures, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment.
    • You understand that any application that is filled out will be in effect for 90 days from the date you certified it and, if employment is not offered within the 90-day period, you understand that you must reapply to be considered for future employment.
    • You understand that your application for employment in no way obligates the Company to employ you.
  5. STATE INFORMATION
    Please read below any applicable State Information. By certifying the application, you are also certifying that you have read and understood any applicable State Information that is listed below.
    • ARIZONA APPLICANTS ONLY: To the extent required by applicable law, the Company maintains a smoke-free workplace.
    • CALIFORNIA APPLICANTS ONLY: I understand the Company may obtain, without using the services of a third party investigative consumer reporting agency, public records pertaining to my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living during its evaluation of my application for employment and, if employed, during my employment. By checking the following box, I waive my right to receive copies of public records obtained by the Company.
    • MASSACHUSETTS APPLICANTS ONLY: Note that it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
    • MARYLAND APPLICANTS ONLY: Under Maryland law, an employer may not require or demand, as a condition of employment, prospective employment, or continued employment, that an individual submit to or take a lie detector test. An employer who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
    • NEBRASKA APPLICANTS ONLY: By certifying the application you, hereby give consent to any and all prior employers of yours to provide information with regard to your employment with prior employers to SLB.