Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Chicago, IL. You will work as part of a team to help clients solve challenging technical problems with a first-principles approach and industry codes and standards.

You will be responsible for evaluating performance of mechanical assets and communicating findings in reports and presentations. You will apply applied mechanics, demonstrate strong communication, and take on increasing client-facing responsibilities

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar with applied mechanics focus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to convey technical info to diverse audiences.
• Experience with finite element analysis tools (Abaqus) and MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Apply principles of applied mechanics to a wide range of technical problems.
• Communicate findings clearly to clients, engineers, managers, and staff.
• Perform analyses, field inspections, calculations addressing real-world mechanical issues.
• Develop presentations and reports that synthesize engineering results.
• Demonstrate project ownership and effective teamwork.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

First principles analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

MATLAB

Job description

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

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Chicago, IL. You will work as part of a team to help our clients solve challenging technical problems which are often urgent and require diverse, multi-disciplinary skills and capabilities, including excellent technical analysis, project ownership, teamwork, and the ability to synthesize large amounts of information and technical results into effective reports and presentations. In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating the performance of mechanical assets across a wide range of industries using a \"first principals\" approach that is also informed by the governing regulations, codes and standards of that industry. Based on your performance, you will be assigned roles with greater responsibilities and more client-facing interactions.

You will be responsible for

• Applying the principals of applied mechanics and creative problem solving to a wide variety of technical problems


• Demonstrating strong communication skills in interactions with clients, engineers, managers, and non-technical staff


• Performing field inspections, calculations, and analysis to address complex, real-world problems associated with a range of mechanical components


• Developing effective presentations and written reports that synthesize findings and conclusions from engineering analyses


• Demonstrating project ownership and the personal attributes needed to be an effective team member

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar fields with a focused thesis/coursework/project experience in applied mechanics (broadly including solid mechanics, fatigue and fracture, or potentially other areas including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer)


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to synthesize and convey technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries


• Working knowledge of basic computational platforms and methods, such as finite element analysis (including Abaqus) and associated numerical analysis platforms such as MATLAB


• Experience using and employing industry codes and standards is beneficial


• Professional experience outside of the university setting is a plus


• Willing to work in new technical areas and continually develop new technical skills


• Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute