Exponent

Associate level Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent • $80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Strong foundation in mechanical engineering and scientific principles.
  • Experience in experimental design, testing, and data analysis.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, 3D CAD, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Basic woodworking or machine shop experience preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.
  • Interest in professional growth and project management responsibilities.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct engineering analysis and manage projects across various applications.
  • Design and implement custom experimental fixtures and testing methods.
  • Evaluate products for compliance with codes and industry standards.
  • Collect and visualize data to support technical findings.
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations for varied audiences.
  • Synthesize complex information into concise conclusions for clients.
  • Market engineering capabilities through client engagement and presentations.
  • Perform field inspections and hands-on failure analyses as required.

Benefits

  • Mentorship from experienced consultants for professional growth.
  • Opportunity to work on high-impact litigation and regulatory projects.
  • Collaborative environment that values creativity and diversity.
  • Flexible work schedule to balance work and personal life.
Full Job Description
Our Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate‑level Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Atlanta, GA. 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.

You will be responsible for

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 Practices 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).
You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Strong foundation inmechanical engineering and scientific first principles.
  • Demonstrated experience inexperimental design, testing, and data analysis.
  • Proficiency withMATLAB, 3D CAD, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Basic woodworking or machine shop experience preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to audiences of varying technical backgrounds.
  • Interest in professional growth and eventualproject management responsibilities(staffing, budgeting, and client interaction).
  • Eligibility and motivation to pursueProfessional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.

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].

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 forbuilding 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. Exponents 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.

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Job LocationsUS-GA-Atlanta

About Exponent

Exponent is a multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific consulting firm that brings together more than 90 different disciplines to solve engineering, science, regulatory, and business issues facing our clients. The company has been providing solutions to complex problems for more than 50 years and has a reputation for technical expertise, objective analysis, and clear communication. Exponent's services include analysis and testing, engineering and design, human factors, environmental and health sciences, and regulatory consulting. The company serves clients in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Learn more about Exponent
Size
1,215 employees
Market Cap
$5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$82.5 million
Founded
1967
5 Year Trend
+8.2%
Revenue
$399.9 million
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Exponent

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Associate level Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.) jobs: