Thermal Sciences Associate - Aircraft Systems/Performance (Ph.D.)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 12, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 25, 2026.
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 aThermal Sciences Associate with a focus on aircraft systems and performance for our Thermal Sciences Practice in New York, NY. You will be responsible for applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis and risk mitigation.
You will be responsible for
- Applying fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, dynamics and aerospace engineering to investigate complex technical problems involving aircraft, propulsion systems, and other thermal-fluid systems
- Analyzing and distilling complex data
- Conducting site, aircraft, and component inspections, and documenting physical evidence
- Performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling
- Evaluating the design, operation, performance, and failure modes of aircraft and including gas turbines, turbomachinery, fuel delivery systems, combustion systems, and associated controls.
- Reviewing and understanding experiments and simulations performed by clients
- Researching and parsing data from published literature
- Conducting risk assessments
- Preparing written reports, proposals, and presentations that communicate complex engineering findings to attorneys, clients, regulators, engineers, and other technical and non-technical audiences
- Managing projects and maintaining efficiency under deadlines
- Expanding technical expertise through research, publications conference participation, and continued engagement with developments in thermal sciences, aircraft systems, propulsion, aviation safety, and aerospace engineering
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, or a related field, with a practical and theoretical understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
- Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.
- Understanding of aircraft and/or spacecraft systems and performance, such as control systems, flight controls, propulsion systems, instrumentation, environmental control systems, automated flight-control systems, cockpit controls, and the interaction between pilot inputs and aircraft response
- Outstanding ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts to new problems
- Hands-on experience designing and executing experimental programs
- An understanding of modeling and simulating aircraft and/or systems
- Ability to interpret technical documentation including, but not limited to, flight manuals, operating procedures, system schematics, maintenance records, performance charts, engineering drawings, and test data
- Interest in investigating system failures, abnormal operating conditions, accidents, performance anomalies, or equipment malfunctions
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, certification requirements, and piloting and aircraft operations
- Aircraft accident investigation experience is a plus, but not required
- Willingness and ability to travel (<10>
- Excellent written and verbal communication 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 $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /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 [email protected].