Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • Los Angeles, CA

3d • $140,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Chemical or Mechanical Engineer to join its Thermal Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, California. The Associate will work on a team of Mechanical, Chemical, and Fire Protection Engineers investigating technical engineering problems, applying chemical and mechanical engineering fundamentals across a broad range of applications. The work includes field investigations, experimental design and execution, and review and synthesis of technical information.

The role also involves communicating findings to project teams and clients, managing multidisciplinary project teams, maintaining quality standards, identifying opportunities to expand or develop projects, continuing professional development through publications and certifications, and mentoring and collaborating with colleagues. The position is office-based in Los Angeles, with regional, out-of-state, and occasional international travel of less than 15% required.

Exponent describes its workplace as an in-person, supportive, collaborative, dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. Consultants have autonomy to balance work and personal schedules while meeting client and business needs. Compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary. The stated base salary range is $140,000–$160,000 per year, depending on experience and capabilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Be presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing is required.
• Research background emphasizing transport phenomena, separations, process design, dynamics and control, chemical kinetics, and/or thermodynamics.
• Experience developing experimental designs, constructing experimental apparatus, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• High self-motivation, demonstrated through technical conference presentations, peer-reviewed journal publications, or professional certifications.
• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for exploring problems and applications within and outside one's area of specialization.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally and out of state, and occasionally internationally (less than 15%).
• Willingness and ability to work from the Los Angeles office.

Nice To Haves

• Previous industry experience, including co-op, work-study, or internship experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical work applying chemical and mechanical engineering fundamentals across a broad range of applications.
• Conduct field work, including data gathering and documentation.
• Design and execute customized experimental programs.
• Review and synthesize documents, data, and other information.
• Communicate key findings to project teams and clients.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams.
• Demonstrate commitment to quality management.
• Identify opportunities to expand current projects or create new projects.
• Continue professional development through publications and certifications.
• Mentor and collaborate with other staff.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts.
• Annual bonus.
• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Compensation and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

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