Thermal Sciences Associate (Ph.D.)

About 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 - Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineer for our Practice in Warrenville, IL. 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 and equipment, combustion systems, consumer products, appliances, and automobiles.

You will be responsible for:

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.)

You will have the following skills and qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineering (or a related field)

Strong technical background in thermodynamics, reaction kineatics, heat transfer, unit operations, fluid mechanics, and combustion

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 is a plus

Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise

Applicants are encouraged to submit a RESUME 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:

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

Benefits you will enjoy:

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

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 .

Job Locations:

US-IL-Warrenville

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