Associate-Level Mechanical Engineer/Scientist (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 an Associate-Level Mechanical Engineer/Scientist for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Houston, TX. In this role, you will apply engineering/scientific principles, hands-on problem solving, and analytical methods to investigate failures, evaluate the performance of mechanical/structural systems, and support expert analysis in disputes, investigations, and other high-consequence technical matters. This position is well suited for candidates with strong experimental, field, or other practical experience who are interested in forensic engineering, consulting assignments involving claims and failures, and long-term growth toward client development, expert-facing consulting work, and eventual expert roles.

You will be responsible for

• Performing technical evaluations, calculations, and analysis to solve complex, real-world problems

• Performing forensic engineering evaluations and failure analyses in support of litigation, arbitration, and other dispute-related engagements

• Executing hands-on testing, field inspections, and other investigative activities

• Supporting senior consultants and experts in technically complex consulting assignments involving claims, failures, and investigations

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop technically rigorous opinions and communicate findings effectively

• Communicating technical findings clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Preparing clear, well-supported written reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and other work product for internal teams, clients, and other audiences

• Contributing over time to business development, client relationships, and professional growth toward eventual expert roles and expert-facing consulting work

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or applied science field

• Experience with experimental methods, field investigations, full scale and small scale testing, or hands-on mechanical work preferred

• Strong data analysis skills and demonstrated experience with Python

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex technical information and communicate it clearly to audiences with a range of technical backgrounds

• Demonstrated interest in forensic engineering, failure analysis, and technical investigations involving disputes, claims, or other high-consequence matters

• Interest in developing client relationships, and business development capabilities

• Willingness to travel occasionally for inspections, testing, and other project needs

• Ability and desire to become a Licensed Professional Engineer

• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.

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].

Life @ Exponent

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