Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer contribution of 7%

Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is looking for a Thermal Sciences Associate to be based in Menlo Park, California. In this role, you will apply fundamental engineering principles to address complex challenges in areas such as failure analysis and risk mitigation. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant engineering field and demonstrate strong analytical skills alongside the ability to communicate effectively. This position offers a competitive salary range of $140,000 to $155,000, along with benefits that support work-life balance and career growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree must be in relevant engineering or scientific field.
• Understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics is necessary.
• Must have hands-on experience designing and executing experiments.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and distill complex data for projects.
• Perform laboratory experiments and modeling.
• Prepare reports and presentations.

Skills

Fundamental engineering concepts application

Analytical and computational modeling

Excellent written and verbal communication

Hands-on experience with experimental programs

Education

Ph.D. in Aero-Astro, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical, Nuclear, Petroleum Engineering or related field

Job description

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Menlo Park, CA. This position will involve applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis, risk mitigation, and product development.

You will be responsible for

• Analyzing and distilling complex data
• Performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling
• 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
• Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
• Most assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, the legal profession, business, and industry

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aero-Astro, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical, Nuclear, Petroleum Engineering, 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
• Outstanding ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts to new problems
• Hands‑on experience in designing and executing experimental programs
• Familiarity with technical documents and equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Work Environment

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 $155,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Job Locations

US-CA-Menlo Park

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].