At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse mechanical failures and develop innovative solutions in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Exponent, a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health support, flexible work-life balance, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and safety through cutting-edge engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with hands-on experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
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 our 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.
Key Statistics:
- 950+ Consultants
- 640+ Ph.D.s
- 90+ Disciplines
- 30+ Offices globally
Our Opportunity
We are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing a wide variety of mechanical and material failures ranging from consumer products to large mechanical systems.
Location: London–Cambridge area (future Cambridge lab/office). This role is not remote and requires in‑person working. The successful candidate will initially be based within the London–Cambridge area, with the expectation of transitioning to a Cambridge‑based office/lab once this has been established.
You will be responsible for:
- Conducting experimental testing, field inspections, engineering analysis, and failure investigations
- Developing test procedures and preparing reports
- Working on exciting new challenges
- Applying the principles of mechanical engineering design, applied mechanics, and fracture mechanics to a wide variety of technical problems
- Demonstrating a strong background in composite materials, experimental testing, computational analyses, and creative problem solving
- Interacting with clients, managers, engineers, laboratory personnel, and non‑technical staff
You Will Have The Following Skills And Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar fields with a focused thesis/coursework/project experience in composite materials, solid mechanics and experimental mechanics
- Willingness to work in new technical areas
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Experience and familiarity with manufacturing methods and analysis of fiber‑reinforced composite components and structures
- Experience conducting laboratory testing or other hands‑on experience
- Experience performing finite element analysis is a plus
- Desire to obtain a professional engineering license and additional technical expertise
- Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute
- Potential for technical and project managerial leadership
- Ability to convey technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending).
Life @ Exponent
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
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.
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.
Benefits You Will Enjoy
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. Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
Mechanical Engineer, London-Cambridge area (Ph.D.) employer: Exponent
Exponent is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and project management in cutting-edge engineering fields. Our flexible work environment and commitment to diversity make Exponent a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer, London-Cambridge area (Ph.D.)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Exponent.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Exponent love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Exponent and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer, London-Cambridge area (Ph.D.)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Exponent and the Mechanical Engineer, London-Cambridge area (Ph.D.) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exponent
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Exponent.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Exponent.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Exponent, making you a more appealing candidate.