Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life@Exponent benefits

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate for its Thermal Sciences Practice in Natick, MA. The role involves investigating failures across structures, fires, explosions, and combustion systems, with responsibilities in analysis, testing, and client reporting.

The position requires a Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineering, strong CFD and flame modeling experience, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineering (or a related field).
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion.
• Deep experience developing and implementing combustion and fire models.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering calculations and analysis.
• Evaluate the performance of mechanical and safety systems.
• Utilize CFD techniques.
• Conduct field work and data collection.
• Conduct laboratory testing and assessments.
• Plan and execute experimental test programs.
• Conduct laboratory assessments of material flammability.
• Prepare proposals and technical reports, and present findings to clients.
• Travel may be required within and outside the U.S.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Combustion

CFD modelling

Communication skills

Team oriented

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

StarCCM+

Fire modeling tools

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 Thermal Sciences Associate for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Natick, MA. In this role, you will be responsible for participating in and leading the investigation and analysis of failures including structures, vehicle and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products, appliances, and automobiles.

Responsibilities

• Performing engineering calculations and analysis
• Evaluating the performance of mechanical and safety systems
• Utilizing computational techniques such as CFD
• Conducting field work and data collection
• Conducting laboratory testing and assessments
• Planning and executing experimental test programs
• Conducting laboratory assessments of material flammability
• Performing engineering calculations and analysis
• Conducting fieldwork
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients
• Project work may require travel (within and outside of the U.S.)

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineering (or a related field)
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
• Deep experience developing and implementing combustion and fire models
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Team player capable of working in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands
• Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside their direct area of expertise
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial CFD programs such as ANSYS Fluent, StarCCM+ and fire modeling tools
• Hands-on experience in executing experimental programs
• Hands-on experience in fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance is a plus
• Prior experience with prescriptive and/or performance-based analysis and application of NFPA and ICC codes and standards preferred
• Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

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.

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 [e-mail].

Job Locations

US-MA-Natick