Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)
Exponent
Atlanta, GA0–2 yrs1d agovia LinkedIn
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 2 years
- Nice to have
- PythonMATLABData analysisFEA
- Work
- On-site in Atlanta
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Data analysis14%Python11%MATLAB7%FEA5%of 100 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 4, 2026 · still open
Sign in free to see which of these skills your resume already shows.
About the Role
Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate for its Thermal Sciences Practice in Atlanta, GA. This role involves working as part of a team to solve challenging, interdisciplinary client problems related to heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. The Associate will focus on growing in technical consulting, including effective verbal and written communication and developing deep technical expertise to serve clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Planning experimental investigations and executing laboratory tests
- Performing engineering calculations and analysis
- Authoring written reports, proposals, and presentations
- Communicating effectively with team members, managers, and clients
- Performing field inspections
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or similar fields
- Fundamental mastery of the principles of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics
- Background in hands-on/fieldwork or other technical experience outside of the classroom
- Strong ability to synthesize information from a wide variety of sources to form opinions and actionable recommendations for clients
- Willingness to travel, sometimes on short notice
- Interest in developing a client base
- Ability and desire to become a Licensed Professional Engineer
- Proven dedication to quality and accuracy
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of machine shop tools, fabrication techniques, and data acquisition systems
- Familiarity with Process Critical documents and equipment (e.g., PFDs, P&IDs, turbomachinery, heat exchangers, chemical reactors)
- Capable of using coding languages/packages such as Matlab, Python, or R to conduct data analysis
- Experience conducting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with software packages such as Comsol, Ansys Fluent, or STAR-CCM+
- Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., API, ASME, and ASTM standards)
- Background in process safety and risk assessment, preferably in the petrochemical industry
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending).