Thermal Sciences Senior Associate (Ph.D.)
Exponent
Listing collected from Exponent's career site. NextChapter is independent of Exponent.
Seattle, WA · Posted October 16, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at Exponent
More in Washington job market · Professional Services & Consulting
More roles at Exponent
- Construction Consulting Associate · Denver, CO
- Electrical Engineer or Computer Scientist (Ph.D.) · New York, NY
- Director of Information Security · Phoenix, AZ
- Thermal Sciences Associate - Chemical Engineer (MS/PhD) · Natick, MA
- Principal Structural or Architectural Engineer (MS/PhD) · Seattle, WA
- Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.) · Phoenix, AZ
Where Seattle, WA ranks
Where Seattle, WA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Pacific Northwest316 jobs · of 8
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Pacific Northwest1,776 openings · of 14
- #2Best cities for energy and utilities pay after cost of living$180k · of 18
- #2Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Pacific Northwest17% · of 12
- #2Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Pacific Northwest26% · of 17
- #2Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the West Coast1,776 openings · of 60
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
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 Thermal Sciences Senior Associate for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA; Menlo Park, CA; Phoenix, AZ; or Seattle, WA . This position will involve applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis, combustion, wildfire, risk mitigation and product development.
You will be responsible for
Performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling
Reviewing and understanding experiments and simulations performed by clients
Analyzing and distilling complex data
Researching and parsing data from published literature
Conducting risk assessments
Preparing written reports, proposals, and presentations
Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
Most assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, the legal profession, business and industry
Performing field inspections, investigations and experiments
You will have the following skills and qualifications
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
A practical and theoretical understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
At least two years of relevant work experience is required
Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
Hands-on experience developing and performing laboratory or field experiments in the areas of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer or combustion
Outstanding ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts to new problems
Familiarity with technical documents and equipment
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
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 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 $145,000.00 - USD $170,000.00 /Yr.
Benefits you will enjoy
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
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 HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
Job Locations US-WA-Seattle US-AZ-Phoenix US-CA-Los Angeles US-CA-Menlo Park