Mechanical Engineering Associate

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. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

Our Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate‑level Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering Practice in Atlanta. 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.
• Collect, analyze and visualize large data sets to support technical conclusions.
• Prepare clear, accurate technical reports and presentations for technical, legal, regulatory, and business audiences.
• Market the Mechanical Engineering Practice’s 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).

Qualifications

• D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, testing, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, 3D CAD, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Basic woodworking or machine shop experience preferred.
• Exposure to HVAC, plumbing systems, or consumer product testing, is desirable.
• Interest in professional growth and eventual project management responsibilities (staffing, budgeting, and client interaction).
• 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.

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. Our consultants engage in‑person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

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.

#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.

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.

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