Thermal Sciences Associate; Ph.D

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

Key statistics:

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

We are currently seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate or Senior Associate for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA
. In this role, you will work as part of a team, applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to solve challenging, interdisciplinary problems involving fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and combustion. You will be expected to grow in the key aspects of technical consulting, including effective verbal and written communication and the establishment of deep areas of technical expertise, and to serve clients effectively.

• Planning experimental investigations and executing laboratory tests
• Researching published literature
• Conducting field inspections
• Performing engineering calculations and analysis and distilling complex data
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients
• Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
• Communicating effectively with team members and clients
• Gathering information from and conveying technical conclusions to individuals with various backgrounds including engineering, the legal profession, business and industry

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or similar fields, with a practical and theoretical understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• Experience in development of experimental design, construction of experimental apparatus, instrumentation, data acquisition and data analysis
• Strong desire and ability to conduct hands-on laboratory and field work
• Demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel, sometimes on short notice (regional, out-of-state, and occasional international travel is estimated at >15%)
• Must be willing and able to work from the office in Los Angeles, CA
• Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of engineering problems within and outside your direct areas of specialization
• Interest in developing a client base

Other preferred but not required qualifications:

• A background in turbo machinery and/or combustion
• Familiarity with Process Critical documents and equipment (e.g. PFDs, P&IDs, turbo machinery, heat exchangers, etc.)
• Capable of using coding languages/packages such as MATLAB, Python or R to conduct data analysis
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g. API, ASME, ASTM and NFPA standards)

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work…