Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.) in Warrenville, IL to join a team of Mechanical, Chemical, and Fire Protection Engineers. You will investigate technical problems and design experimental programs while collaborating across disciplines.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with transport phenomena expertise, strong communication skills, and willingness to travel regionally or internationally (<15%). On-site in Warrenville, IL.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in transport phenomena, separations, process design, dynamics and control, chemical kinetics, and/or thermodynamics.
• Experience in development of experimental design, construction of experimental apparatus, instrumentation, data acquisition and data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary, collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

• Performing outstanding technical work related to chemical and mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Conducting field work including data gathering and documentation.
• Designing and executing customized experimental programs.
• Reviewing and synthesizing documents, data, and information.
• Communicating key findings to project teams and clients.
• Managing multidisciplinary project teams.
• Continuing professional development through publication and certifications.
• Mentoring and collaborating with other staff.

Skills

PhD background

Transport phenomena

Separation processes

Process design

Dynamics and control

Chemical kinetics

Thermodynamics

Experimental design

Instrumentation

Data analysis

Technical communication

Leadership

Travel willingness

Education

PhD in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

Job ID: 2026-2488

• Location: US-IL-Warrenville
• 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 Chemical or Mechanical Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Warrenville, IL. In this role, you will work as part of a team of Mechanical, Chemical, and Fire Protection Engineers investigating technical engineering problems.

You will be responsible for

• Performing outstanding technical work related to a broad application of fundamentals of chemical and mechanical engineering
• Conducting field work including data gathering and documentation
• Designing and executing customized experimental programs
• Reviewing and synthesizing documents, data, and other types of information
• Communicating key findings to project teams and clients
• Managing multidisciplinary project teams
• Demonstrating commitment to quality management
• Identifying opportunities for expanding current projects or creating new projects
• Continuing professional development through publication and certifications
• Mentoring and collaborating with other staff

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• Research background emphasizing transport phenomena, separations, process design, dynamics and control, chemical kinetics, and/or thermodynamics
• Experience in development of experimental design, construction of experimental apparatus, instrumentation, data acquisition and data analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Highly self‑motivated as demonstrated through presentation at technical conferences, publication in peer reviewed journals, professional certifications
• Intellectual curiosity with a passion to explore a vast array of problems and applications both within and outside of their area of specialization
• Demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment
• Must be willing and able to travel regionally, out-of-state, and occasionally internationally (<15%)
• Must be willing and able to work from the office in Warrenville, IL
• Previous industry experience, including co‑op, work study or internship, preferred

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 at [e-mail].

Job Locations

US-IL-Warrenville