Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent • Menlo Park, CA

1d • $140,000 - $154,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Scientist for their Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice. This role involves helping clients securely and responsibly adopt AI technologies, developing assurance practices for operational technology (OT) environments, and designing AI-enabled systems to enhance cybersecurity in OT. The position requires delivering technical AI consulting services, evaluating AI systems for cybersecurity risks (e.g., adversarial manipulation, data poisoning), applying risk management frameworks (NIST, MITRE, ISA/IEC 62443), and leading the design and evaluation of AI models for OT cybersecurity, including threat detection and autonomous capabilities. The role also involves client engagement lifecycle management, advising on technical and strategic solutions, identifying new opportunities, and supporting business development through client relationship building and solution crafting.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing, evaluating, or deploying machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, or agentic AI systems.
• Expertise spanning AI model development, AI assurance, cybersecurity, OT systems, and software development using modern engineering best practices.
• Proficiency in at least two of the following: Python, R, C++, Linux, cloud platforms, containerization, MLOps tools, or cybersecurity analysis tools.
• Working understanding of common Operational Technologies (OT) architectures, protocols, and constraints, including industrial control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, and safety-critical environments.
• Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, scientific, and business concepts for diverse audiences.
• Business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of identifying value for clients, framing business plans, and driving business development.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to thrive independently and as a collaborative team member in fast-paced, multidisciplinary settings.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required.

Nice To Haves

• Publications (in review or pending are acceptable).

Responsibilities

• Deliver highly technical AI consulting services to help clients adopt AI solutions securely, responsibly, and effectively.
• Develop approaches to evaluate, assure, and govern AI systems before deployment, with particular emphasis on cybersecurity.
• Evaluate AI systems for cybersecurity risks, including adversarial manipulation, data poisoning, model extraction, prompt injection, insecure tool use, and unsafe autonomous behavior.
• Apply cybersecurity and AI risk management frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK, MITRE ATLAS, ISA/IEC 62443, and relevant sector-specific critical infrastructure guidance.
• Lead efforts to design, develop, and evaluate AI models and systems that improve the cybersecurity posture of OT environments, beginning with threat detection and progressing toward more autonomous, agentic capabilities where appropriate.
• Lead or collaborate on all phases of the client engagement lifecycle, including identifying client needs, framing and scoping business problems, developing project and sprint plans, building and evaluating AI solutions, and translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Advise clients on both technical and strategic business solutions, identifying new technology-driven opportunities, and helping clients plan scalable, sustainable, and efficient systems.
• Support business development by proactively building relationships with clients, identifying new project opportunities, and helping craft and execute business and technical solutions, either independently or collaboratively with firm leadership.

Benefits

• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts (at Associate and Senior Associate level)
• Annual bonus (at Associate and Senior Associate level)
• Competitive benefits
• Compensation and recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree