Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

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 Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Seattle, WA. In this role, you will work as part of a team consulting on a wide variety of mechanical engineering issues. You will be responsible for Technical AnalysisApplying the principles of mechanical engineering design, analysis, and practice to support forensic engineering and root cause analysis of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, fire-protection, and other product or system failuresAssisting with the evaluation of products and systems against applicable codes, standards, manufacturer requirements, and accepted engineering practicesPlanning, designing, and executing custom laboratory tests using a variety of traditional and novel methodsReviewing drawings, specifications, maintenance records, and other technical documents to support reconstruction of events and evaluation of design, installation, operation, and maintenance issuesCollecting, analyzing, and visualizing large data sets to support concise technical conclusionsField WorkConducting field inspections and hands-on engineering analyses of machinery, industrial equipment, HVAC, plumbing, fire scenes, and consumer productsThoroughly documenting observations and findings during investigations of accidents, losses, and equipment malfunctionsTraveling to client sites and inspection locations (occasionally on short notice)Consulting and CommunicationSupporting technical investigations in litigation, insurance, and other dispute-resolution mattersContributing to the preparation of clear, well-supported, technically rigorous, and defensible written reports and presentations that withstand challenge by opposing experts, attorneys, insurers, contractors, or regulatorsPresenting these communications to both technical and non-technical audiencesCommunicating and working effectively with clients and experts in other engineering and scientific disciplines within Exponent You will have the following skills and qualifications Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.Outstanding verbal and written communication skillsHigh level of mechanical aptitude and a curiosity for learning about new products, industries, and processesStrong practical and theoretical foundation in thermal or mechanical systems, including formal coursework in machine design, mechanics, thermal sciences, and/or fluid dynamicsHands-on experience, practical field experience, and a strong interest in the areas of mechanical systems, vehicle systems, industrial equipment, fire investigation, and failure analysisDemonstrated experience with experimental techniques and equipment, including instrumentation and data acquisitionProficiency with data analysis software (one or more of Python, R, MATLAB, Tableau, Power BI), CAD, and other technical and business software toolsAbility to read and interpret technical drawings for buildings or machineryAbility to convey complex technical information to individuals not specialized in technical fieldsEagerness to work in a competitive environment in which work product and opinions may be challengedDesire to obtain a professional engineering (PE) license and additional technical expertise and credentialsBasic photography skills are a bonusValid US driver’s license and a willingness to travel (~25%)Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing requiredApplicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) 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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Job Locations US-WA-Seattle Job SummaryLocation: US-WA-SeattlePractice: Mechanical EngineeringPosition Type: Full-timePosted Salary Range: USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.Workplace Type: On-Site