Associate Level Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent • Natick, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking an Associate for its Mechanical Engineering Practice in Natick, Massachusetts. The Associate will develop technical expertise and spoken and written communication skills while building a consulting practice serving clients inside and outside the firm. The role involves hands-on investigation and analysis of mechanical equipment failures, custom laboratory testing, engineering calculations, reporting, presentations, and field inspections. The Associate will collaborate with experts across engineering disciplines and support internal clients addressing complex problems involving mechanical equipment. The position is based in a collaborative, multidisciplinary office environment; consultants generally work in person unless traveling for client work or other business activities. The role offers flexible working hours and autonomy to balance work and personal schedules. Travel is required, often on short notice. Compensation includes a base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a similar field, emphasizing 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 strong commitment to technical rigor and quality.
• Strong 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.

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 communicate findings to technical and non-technical clients.
• Support internal clients working collaboratively 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, create written reports and presentations, and conduct field inspections.
• Develop technical expertise and effective spoken and written communications 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 and grow a client base.
• Travel as needed, often on short notice.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and programs and resources supporting health and well-being.
• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts.
• Annual bonus.
• Compensation and recognition programs.
• Mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

What This Job Offers

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