Associate Level Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • Natick, MA

7d • $140,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking an Associate for its Mechanical Engineering Practice in Natick, Massachusetts. The Associate will grow technical expertise and spoken and written communication skills while developing a consulting practice serving clients inside and outside the firm. The role involves collaborative investigation of mechanical equipment failures, laboratory testing, calculations and analyses, field inspections, and communicating findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Consultants work in person at the office except when traveling for client work or other business activities, in a supportive, collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Flexible, agile working hours allow consultants to balance client and business needs with personal priorities. The position requires willingness to travel, often on short notice.

Total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution equal to 7% of base salary. The stated base salary range is USD $140,000–$160,000 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities assessed during the interview process.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a similar field, with an emphasis on machine design, robotics, mechatronics, hydraulics, tribology, or mechanical testing.
• Strong foundation in engineering statics, dynamics, and solid mechanics.
• Hands-on experience with basic laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and data collection, and ability to independently design and execute experiments.
• Experience with engineering-related software such as LabView, Matlab, Python, MathCAD, Solidworks, or Autocad.
• Excellent project ownership, including resourcefulness, technical curiosity, and commitment to technical rigor and quality.
• Ability to distill complex technical information and present it effectively to people in engineering, business, legal, and related industries.
• Interest in applying technical and managerial skills to direct staffing, budgets, and client interactions.
• Entrepreneurial aptitude to seek new client relationships and grow a client base.
• Willingness to travel, often on short notice.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with photography.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications, including publications in review or pending; the CV is not restricted to one page.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on analyses of mechanical equipment failures to determine what happened and the cause, collaborating with experts in other engineering disciplines.
• Create written reports and presentations and present them to technical and non-technical clients.
• Support an expansive internal client base collaborating to solve complex, real-world problems involving various types of mechanical equipment.
• Plan and execute custom laboratory tests using traditional and novel methods.
• Perform calculations and analyses, prepare written reports and presentations, and conduct field inspections.
• Develop technical expertise and communication skills while building a consulting practice serving clients within and outside the firm.
• Apply technical and managerial skills to direct staffing, budgets, and client interactions.
• Seek new client relationships to grow a client base.

Benefits

• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts.
• Annual bonus.
• Benefits and resources to support health and well-being; details are available on the Life@Exponent page.
• Compensation and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree