Thermal Sciences Senior Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • Seattle, WA

3d • $145,000 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Senior Associate for its Thermal Sciences Practice, based in Los Angeles, Menlo Park, Phoenix, or Seattle. The position applies fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems involving failure analysis, combustion, wildfire, risk mitigation, and product development. The role combines laboratory and field work with analytical or computational modeling, data analysis, risk assessment, and communication of technical conclusions to people in engineering, law, business, and industry. Consultants work primarily in person at an Exponent office unless traveling for client work or other business activities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• At least two years of relevant work experience.
• 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 is required.
• Hands-on experience developing and performing laboratory or field experiments in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or combustion.
• Outstanding ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts to new problems.
• Familiarity with technical documents and equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling.
• Review and understand experiments and simulations performed by clients.
• Analyze and distill complex data.
• Research and parse data from published literature.
• Conduct risk assessments.
• Prepare written reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Manage projects and maintain efficiency under deadlines.
• Gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, the legal profession, business, and industry.
• Perform field inspections, investigations, and experiments.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, compensation, and recognition programs.
• Base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• Mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

What This Job Offers

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