Associate Level Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)
Exponent Inc.· Oct 17, 2026 · 10d ago
Natick, MA, United States
In office
Full-time
Mid
$114K–$160K est.
Job description
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 currently seeking an Associate for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Natick, MA . You will be expected to grow in the key aspects of consulting, including technical expertise and effective spoken and written communications, to develop a consulting practice serving clients both within and outside the firm.
• Conducting hands-on analyses of mechanical equipment failures to understand what happened and the cause of the failure in collaboration with experts in other engineering disciplines
• Creating written reports and presentations and presenting these communications to both technical and non-technical clients
• Supporting an expansive internal client base that works collaboratively to solve complex, real-world problems associated with various types of mechanical equipment
• Planning and executing custom laboratory tests using a variety of traditional and novel methods
• Performing calculations and analyses, creating written reports and presentations, and performing field inspections
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Mechanics and/or similar fields with an emphasis on machine design, robotics, mechatronics, hydraulics, tribology, or mechanical testing
• A strong foundation in engineering statics, dynamics, and solid mechanics
• Hands-on experience with basic laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and data collection as well as the ability to independently design and execute experiments
• Experience with engineering related software, for example: LabView, Matlab, Python, MathCAD, Solidworks, Autocad
• Excellent project ownership characteristics, including resourcefulness, technical curiosity, and a strong commitment to technical rigor and quality
• Strong ability to distill complex technical information and present it effectively to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries
• Interest in applying technical and managerial skills to direct staffing, budget, and client interactions
• Entrepreneurial aptitude to seek new client relationships to grow a client base
• Willingness to travel, often on short notice
• Familiarity with photography is a plus
• 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].
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
exponent.com
exponent.com
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.
USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: exponent.com
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 .
US-MA-Natick
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