Thermodynamics Software Developer

Onesubsea; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SLB in Houston seeks a Simulation Software Developer – Thermodynamics Specialist to design and implement high‑fidelity thermodynamic models for oil & gas, LNG, refining, and energy-transition applications.

You will work in an agile team, primarily in C++ with Python scripting, advancing equations of state, activity coefficients, and distillation algorithms while validating against experimental data and supporting customers.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, or related field preferred.
• Strong experience in thermodynamics software development and fluid modeling.
• Experience with equations of state, activity coefficients, or electrolyte thermodynamics.
• Experience automating thermodynamic workflows at scale.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for scientific software.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and improve thermodynamic models for simulations.
• Develop algorithms for phase equilibrium and distillation.
• Validate against experimental data and collaborate with customers.
• Contribute to technical writing and potential publications.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Scientific software development

C++

Python

Numerical methods

Automation of workflows

Process simulation

Oil & gas modeling

Education

Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics

Tools

C++

Python

Software for simulations

Job description

Simulation Software Developer – Thermodynamics Specialist

Do you want to advance the thermodynamic foundations that power accurate process simulation across the energy industry?

SLB is looking for a Simulation Software Developer – Thermodynamics Specialist to join the team behind Symmetry, our integrated process simulation platform. In this role you will design, implement, and continuously improve the thermodynamic models and algorithms that enable high-fidelity steady-state and dynamic simulations for oil & gas, LNG, refining, carbon capture, hydrogen, and other energy-transition applications.

You will work in an agile, multi-disciplinary team and take ownership of key thermodynamic capabilities, including equations of state, activity coefficient models, property estimation methods, oil characterization, electrolyte systems, and algorithms supporting distillation and phase equilibrium calculations. The core of the position is scientific software development (primarily C++ with Python for scripting and integration), but you will also contribute to technical writing, potential publications or patents, validation against experimental data, and customer support.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in computational thermodynamics and a genuine interest in turning rigorous physical models into reliable, high-performance software. Relevant experience includes equations of state, activity coefficient models, electrolyte thermodynamics, phase equilibrium algorithms, property estimation, oil characterization, distillation-related calculations, or other fluid modeling techniques used in process simulation. Candidates who combine deep domain expertise with solid software engineering practices — and who enjoy grounding research-level methods in practical, user-driven requirements — will thrive in this role.

We value people who can work independently on complex technical problems while collaborating effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. A growth mindset and the ability to adapt to evolving numerical techniques and programming technologies are essential. Experience automating thermodynamic and simulation workflows at scale is highly valued.

Skills & Requirements

• Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, or a related field with a strong focus on thermodynamics is preferred. Relevant industrial or research experience is highly valued.
• Solid experience developing or contributing to scientific software involving fluid modeling, phase equilibrium calculations, equations of state, activity coefficient models, property estimation, electrolyte systems, or characterization methods.
• Experience with electrolyte thermodynamics and/or distillation algorithms is a strong plus.
• Strong demonstrated experience automating complex numerical, thermodynamic, and software development workflows at scale — for example, building tools/scripts/pipelines for property package calculations, phase equilibrium workflows, automated testing & validation, batch processing of characterization or electrolyte models, or streamlining customer-facing simulation workflows.
• Strong background in applied numerical methods for thermodynamic calculations.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for scientific or engineering software development is highly desirable.
• Ability to work across the full product lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, validation, and documentation.
• Flexibility to adapt to different programming languages, technologies, and modeling approaches.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Background in data science or machine learning is a plus but not required.
• Experience using or developing commercial process simulation software is advantageous.

If you are passionate about building the thermodynamic engine that underpins accurate process simulation and want your work to support the energy transition, we would like to hear from you.

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.

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: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.

The Company is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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 [e-mail] to request assistance. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.

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.