Thermal Sciences Associate - Aircraft Systems/Performance (Ph.D.)

Exponent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate in New York, NY, focused on aircraft systems and performance. You will apply fundamental engineering techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis and risk mitigation, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a PhD in a related field, hands-on experimental design, and ability to model and simulate aircraft systems. Travel is limited (<10%). Exponent offers a collaborative culture, mentoring, and opportunities across aerospace, propulsion, and safety.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, or a related field.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States with no immigration sponsorship required.
• Understanding of aircraft and/or spacecraft systems and performance.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing experimental programs.
• Ability to model and simulate aircraft and/or systems.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation including manuals, schematics, and test data.
• Willingness to travel (<10%).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion and aerospace principles to analyze aircraft and propulsion systems.
• Analyze and distill complex data from experiments and simulations.
• Conduct inspections, experiments, and modeling to support risk assessments.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and presentations for varied audiences.
• Manage projects and maintain schedule efficiency.
• Expand technical expertise through research and conference participation.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Combustion

Aircraft systems

Experimental design

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Aeronautics or related field

Job description

Job Details

• ID: 2026-2606
• Location: US-NY-New York
• Practice: Thermal Sciences
• Position Type: Full-time
• Posted Salary Range: USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.
• Workplace Type: On-Site

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 Thermal Sciences Associate with a focus on aircraft systems and performance for our Thermal Sciences Practice in New York, NY. You will be responsible for applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Applying fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, dynamics and aerospace engineering to investigate complex technical problems involving aircraft, propulsion systems, and other thermal-fluid systems
• Analyzing and distilling complex data
• Conducting site, aircraft, and component inspections, and documenting physical evidence
• Performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling
• Evaluating the design, operation, performance, and failure modes of aircraft and including gas turbines, turbomachinery, fuel delivery systems, combustion systems, and associated controls.
• Reviewing and understanding experiments and simulations performed by clients
• Researching and parsing data from published literature
• Conducting risk assessments
• Preparing written reports, proposals, and presentations that communicate complex engineering findings to attorneys, clients, regulators, engineers, and other technical and non-technical audiences
• Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
• Expanding technical expertise through research, publications conference participation, and continued engagement with developments in thermal sciences, aircraft systems, propulsion, aviation safety, and aerospace engineering

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, or a related field, with a practical and theoretical understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• Understanding of aircraft and/or spacecraft systems and performance, such as control systems, flight controls, propulsion systems, instrumentation, environmental control systems, automated flight-control systems, cockpit controls, and the interaction between pilot inputs and aircraft response
• Outstanding ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts to new problems
• Hands‑on experience designing and executing experimental programs
• An understanding of modeling and simulating aircraft and/or systems
• Ability to interpret technical documentation including, but not limited to, flight manuals, operating procedures, system schematics, maintenance records, performance charts, engineering drawings, and test data
• Interest in investigating system failures, abnormal operating conditions, accidents, performance anomalies, or equipment malfunctions
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, certification requirements, and piloting and aircraft operations
• Aircraft accident investigation experience is a plus, but not required
• Willingness and ability to travel (<10%)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

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. #LI-Onsite

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.

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-NY-New York