Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent, a premier engineering and scientific consulting firm based in Philadelphia, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to apply fundamental mechanical engineering principles on diverse client projects. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to advance technical solutions, develop design and testing methods, and contribute to client-facing analyses and presentations.

The role emphasizes collaboration, communication, and growth within a consulting environment in which professionals continually

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong background in experimental mechanical testing.
• Strong background in design, modelling, and generating drawings using SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Ability to distill complex technical information and present to diverse audiences.
• Interest in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across practices.

Responsibilities

• Communicating effectively with engineers, managers, clients and administrative professionals.
• Managing and executing projects related to mechanical engineering applications including medical device and consumer product testing in the laboratory.
• Designing and implementing custom experimental methods to address mechanical performance problems.
• Designing complex fixtures for experimental testing using SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Preparing written reports and presentations from technical evaluations and analyses.
• Performing field inspections and hands-on failure analysis for litigation matters.
• Marketing the Mechanical Engineering Practice’s capabilities to clients and the scientific community.

Skills

Experimental testing

Design and modelling

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Technical communication

Project management

Travel willingness

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

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. We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our 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 Philadelphia, PA. The start date for this position is April 2026 or beyond, we are unable to consider earlier start dates. In this role, you will work as part of a team applying fundamental principles of mechanical engineering to solve difficult technical problems for our clients. You will be expected to grow in the key aspects of consulting, including continued development of technical expertise, the ability to synthesize arguments and positions from vast amounts of information, and effective spoken and written communications.

You will be responsible

• Communicating effectively with other engineers, managers, clients and administrative professionals
• Managing and executing specific projects related to a variety of mechanical engineering applications including medical device and consumer product testing in the laboratory
• Designing and implementing custom experimental methods to address unique problems related to mechanical performance
• Designing complex fixtures for experimental mechanical testing using Solidworks or AutoCAD
• Performing technical evaluations and analysis in order to prepare written reports and presentations
• Performing field inspections and conducting hands‑on failure analysis for litigation matters
• Marketing the Mechanical Engineering Practice’s technical capabilities to clients and the scientific community

You Will Have The Following Skills And Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field
• Strong background in experimental mechanical testing
• Strong background in design, modelling, and generating drawings using Solidworks or AutoCAD
• Strong ability in distilling complex technical information and presenting it effectively to a wide range of audiences with varying technical backgrounds
• Interest in collaborating and working with multidisciplinary teams across our various practices, including working with the Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Vehicle Engineering, Biomechanics, and Human Factors practices
• Familiarity with mechanical testing of consumer products or medical devices is desirable
• Desire and drive to eventually manage large projects both in terms of staffing, budget, and client interactions
• Willing to travel, often on short notice, and sometimes for extended periods of time
• Ability and desire to become a Licensed Professional Engineer

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact 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 environment.

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities. We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well‑being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients.

Benefits You Will Enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [e-mail] .

Job Locations

US-PA-Philadelphia