Thermal Sciences Associate - Aircraft Systems/Performance (Ph.D.)

Exponent•New York, NY

7d•$140,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate with a focus on aircraft systems and performance for its Thermal Sciences Practice in New York, NY. This role involves applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis and risk mitigation. Responsibilities include applying principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, dynamics, and aerospace engineering to investigate complex technical problems involving aircraft, propulsion systems, and other thermal-fluid systems. The role also entails analyzing and distilling complex data, conducting site and component inspections, performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling, and evaluating the design, operation, performance, and failure modes of aircraft systems. Additionally, the Associate will review client experiments and simulations, research published literature, conduct risk assessments, and prepare reports, proposals, and presentations to communicate findings to diverse audiences. Project management, maintaining efficiency under deadlines, and expanding technical expertise through research, publications, and conference participation are also key aspects of the position.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, or a related field, with a practical and theoretical understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
Understanding of aircraft and/or spacecraft systems and performance, such as control systems, flight controls, propulsion systems, instrumentation, environmental control systems, automated flight-control systems, cockpit controls, and the interaction between pilot inputs and aircraft response
Outstanding ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts to new problems
Hands-on experience designing and executing experimental programs
An understanding of modeling and simulating aircraft and/or systems
Ability to interpret technical documentation including, but not limited to, flight manuals, operating procedures, system schematics, maintenance records, performance charts, engineering drawings, and test data
Interest in investigating system failures, abnormal operating conditions, accidents, performance anomalies, or equipment malfunctions
Willingness and ability to travel (<10%)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with FAA regulations, certification requirements, and piloting and aircraft operations
Aircraft accident investigation experience is a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

Applying fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, dynamics and aerospace engineering to investigate complex technical problems involving aircraft, propulsion systems, and other thermal-fluid systems
Analyzing and distilling complex data
Conducting site, aircraft, and component inspections, and documenting physical evidence
Performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling
Evaluating the design, operation, performance, and failure modes of aircraft and including gas turbines, turbomachinery, fuel delivery systems, combustion systems, and associated controls.
Reviewing and understanding experiments and simulations performed by clients
Researching and parsing data from published literature
Conducting risk assessments
Preparing written reports, proposals, and presentations that communicate complex engineering findings to attorneys, clients, regulators, engineers, and other technical and non-technical audiences
Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
Expanding technical expertise through research, publications conference participation, and continued engagement with developments in thermal sciences, aircraft systems, propulsion, aviation safety, and aerospace engineering