Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate or Senior Associate for its Thermal Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA.

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in turbomachinery and/or combustion
• Familiarity with Process Critical documents and equipment (e.g. PFDs, P&IDs, turbomachinery, 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)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].