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Thermal Sciences Associate/Sr. Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 30 Mar 2026

About the role

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.

 

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

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Houston, TX. 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.

You will be responsible for

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

You will have the following skills and qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Fire Protection Engineering (or a related field)
  • Strong technical background in thermodynamics, reaction kineatics, heat transfer, unit operations, fluid mechanics, and combustion
  • Deep 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
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Hands-on experience in executing experimental programs
  • Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise

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].

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 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 offi

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Company

Exponent

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