Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges. Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. We help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

About the Role

We are currently seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate or Senior Associate for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team, applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to solve challenging, interdisciplinary problems involving fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and combustion. You will grow in key aspects of technical consulting, including effective verbal and written communication and establishing deep areas of technical expertise, while serving clients effectively.

• Planning experimental investigations and executing laboratory tests
• Researching published literature
• Conducting field inspections
• Performing engineering calculations and analysis and distilling complex data
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients
• Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
• Communicating effectively with team members and clients
• Gathering information from and conveying technical conclusions to individuals with various backgrounds including engineering, the legal profession, business, and industry

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or similar fields, with a practical and theoretical understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• Experience in development of experimental design, construction of experimental apparatus, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis
• Strong desire and ability to conduct hands-on laboratory and field work
• Demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel, sometimes on short notice (regional, out-of-state, and occasional international travel is estimated at >15%)
• Must be willing and able to work from the office in Los Angeles, CA
• Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of engineering problems within and outside your direct areas of specialization
• Interest in developing a client base

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in turbomachinery and/or combustion
• Familiarity with Process Critical documents and equipment (e.g., PFDs, P&IDs, turbomachinery, heat exchangers, etc.)
• Capable of using coding languages/packages such as MATLAB, Python, or R to conduct data analysis
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., API, ASME, ASTM, and NFPA standards)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending).

Work Environment

At Exponent, in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and building a more inclusive workplace. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multidisciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value work/life balance and understand its critical role in our employees' well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules to meet client needs, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and prioritize personal commitments. This flexible, agile work style drives innovation and results.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities, assessed during the interview process. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits

Exponent offers a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. Competitive benefits, compensation, and recognition programs empower our staff to make a difference. Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page.