Thermal Sciences Associate; Ph.D

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

We are currently seeking a Thermal Sciences Associate - Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineer for our Thermal Sciences 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.

• 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
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients
• Project work may require travel (within and outside of the U.S.)

• Ph.D. in Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineering (or a related field)
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, 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

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

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].

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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.

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…