Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.•Atlanta, GA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate for its Thermal Sciences Practice in Atlanta, Georgia. The Associate will work with a multidisciplinary team to help clients solve challenging problems involving heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. The role includes developing technical consulting skills, communicating effectively in writing and verbally, building deep technical expertise, and serving clients effectively. The Associate plans and conducts experimental investigations and laboratory tests, performs engineering calculations and analyses, prepares reports, proposals, and presentations, communicates with team members, managers, and clients, and performs field inspections. The work environment is collaborative and multidisciplinary. Consultants generally work in person at the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities. Consultants have autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules to meet client needs and other priorities. Exponent describes its work as helping clients address complex challenges through multidisciplinary science, engineering, and regulatory expertise, with the goal of creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. The company offers mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and an employer 401(k) contribution equal to 7% of base salary. The base salary range depends on experience and capabilities assessed during interviews.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a similar field.
Fundamental mastery of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Background in hands-on or fieldwork, or other technical experience outside the classroom.
Strong ability to synthesize information from a wide variety of sources and form opinions and actionable recommendations for clients.
Willingness to travel, sometimes on short notice.
Interest in developing a client base.
Ability and desire to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.
Proven dedication to quality and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of machine shop tools, fabrication techniques, and data acquisition systems.
Familiarity with process-critical documents and equipment, such as PFDs, P&IDs, turbomachinery, heat exchangers, and chemical reactors.
Ability to use coding languages or packages such as Matlab, Python, or R for data analysis.
Experience conducting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using software such as Comsol, Ansys Fluent, or STAR-CCM+.
Familiarity with industry standards, such as API, ASME, and ASTM standards.
Background in process safety and risk assessment, preferably in the petrochemical industry.