Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent • Atlanta, GA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate for its Thermal Sciences Practice in Atlanta, Georgia. The Associate will work on a team assisting clients with challenging interdisciplinary problems involving heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. The role offers the opportunity to develop technical consulting skills, including effective verbal and written communication and deep technical expertise, while serving clients effectively.

The work involves planning and carrying out experimental investigations and laboratory tests, performing engineering calculations and analysis, preparing reports, proposals, and presentations, communicating with team members, managers, and clients, and conducting field inspections. Consultants typically work in person at Exponent offices unless traveling for client work or other business activities. The position includes a flexible, agile work style that allows consultants to balance work and personal schedules while meeting client needs.

Exponent is a multidisciplinary engineering and scientific consulting firm focused on helping clients address complex product, process, safety, health, and sustainability challenges. The company describes its culture as collaborative and supportive, and offers mentoring, sponsorship, and learning opportunities.

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 to form opinions and actionable client recommendations.
• 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 packages 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.

Responsibilities

• Plan experimental investigations and execute laboratory tests.
• Perform engineering calculations and analysis.
• Author written reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Communicate effectively with team members, managers, and clients.
• Perform field inspections.
• Serve clients effectively while developing technical consulting skills and areas of technical expertise.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and compensation and recognition programs.
• Health and well-being programs and resources.
• Base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary at the Associate and Senior Associate level.

What This Job Offers

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