Associate-level Mechanical Engineer (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.  

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 

We are seeking an Associate‑level Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Atlanta. You will work as part of a collaborative consulting team applying fundamental mechanical engineering principles to help clients solve complex technical problems. This position offers hands‑on opportunities in design, testing, analysis, and communication, along with professional mentorship to strengthen your consulting, leadership, and project management skills.

Technical Analysis & Design

• Conduct engineering analysis and manage specific projects across diverse applications, including consumer products, industrial equipment, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Design, build, and implement custom experimental fixtures and testing methods to address unique engineering challenges.
• Evaluate products and systems for compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Collect, analyze and visualize large data sets to support technical conclusions.

Consulting & Communication

• Prepare clear, accurate technical reports and presentations for technical, legal, regulatory, and business audiences.
• Synthesize findings from complex sources into concise conclusions for clients.
• Market the Mechanical Engineering Practice’s technical capabilities through client engagement, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues across Biomechanics, Human Factors, and Civil & Structural Engineering Practices.

Field & Applied Work

• Perform field inspections, testing, and hands‑on failure analyses outside of laboratory settings as needed.
• Travel to client sites and inspection locations (occasionally on short notice).

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, testing, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, 3D CAD, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Basic woodworking or machine shop experience preferred.
• Exposure to HVAC, plumbing systems, or consumer product testing, is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to audiences of varying technical backgrounds.
• Interest in professional growth and eventual project management responsibilities (staffing, budgeting, and client interaction).
• Eligibility and motivation to pursue Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.

What We Offer

• Mentorship from experienced consultants committed to your technical and professional growth.
• Opportunity to contribute to high‑impact projects in litigation, regulatory, and failure analysis contexts.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that values creativity, initiative, and diversity of thought.

Applicants 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].

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. 

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

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.