Mechanical Engineer (PhD)

Exponent is a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm that brings together more than 90 different disciplines to solve the most pressing and complicated challenges facing stakeholders today. Our vision is to engage the brightest scientists and engineers to empower clients with solutions for a safe, healthy, sustainable and technologically complex world. We leverage over 50 years of experience in analyzing accidents and failures to advise clients as they innovate their technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

We offer opportunities for you to expand your engineering or scientific knowledge amidst experts from top programs at over 500 universities. At Exponent, you will apply your experience, technical skills, and prior academic research to a fulfilling career in consulting. You will have the opportunity to develop continuously through formal and informal development programs, coaching and mentoring, and involvement in a wide array of projects. We are excited about your interest in joining our growing team!

Key statistics:

• 1100 Team members
• 900 Consultants
• 550 Ph.D.s
• 30 Offices globally

We are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer for our Practice in Atlanta, GA. In this role, you will be expected to grow in the key aspects of consulting, including technical expertise and effective spoken and written communications, to develop a consulting practice serving clients both within and outside the firm.

You will be responsible for:

• Communicating effectively with other engineers, managers, clients, and administrative reports
• Planning and executing laboratory tests and novel experimental investigations
• Performing calculations and analysis
• Creating written reports and presentations
• Performing field inspections

You will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or similar fields
• Background in hands-on/field work or other professional experience outside of the classroom setting
• Strong ability to synthesize information from a wide variety of sources and form a narrative based on facts and observations
• Formal coursework in machine design
• Willingness to travel, sometimes on short notice
• Interest in developing a client base
• Ability and desire to become a Licensed Professional Engineer

Other desirable qualifications (candidates are not expected meet all qualifications):

• Experience in the design and fabrication of mechanical systems
• Working knowledge of machine shop tools (e.g., metal bending, grinding, and cutting), fabrication techniques (e.g. welding, fastening) and machine design (e.g. gears, bearings)
• Modern data analysis techniques using coding languages/packages such as Python, Matlab, or R
• Experience performing:
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) applied to mechanical structures
• Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Academic and/or professional experience in:
• Heat and Mass Transfer
• Machine Design
• Acoustics
• Vibrations
• Dynamics
• Mechanics of Materials

Ideally, you will have a mix of:

• Depth: In select areas of Mechanical Engineering, deep knowledge of theory and state-of-the art analysis/experimental techniques
• Breadth: General knowledge across many areas of Mechanical Engineering
• Practical Experience: Curiosity about mechanical systems and experience (professional/academic/hobbyist) in their construction, testing, maintenance, and operation

Applicants are strongly encouraged to write a cover letter explaining how they have the depth, breadth, and practical experience enumerated above.

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

We value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives 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.

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 call us at 1 (650) 688-6968 or email