Forensic Systems Engineer/Scientist – Aerospace, Defense & Telecom (Ph.D.)

Exponent•New York, NY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Forensic Systems Engineer/Scientist for its Computer, Data & Security Sciences Practice in New York, NY. The role involves working on multidisciplinary teams to analyze software and hardware systems and provide scientific and engineering insight for clients in commercial, government, military technology, legal services, and electric utilities. Work may include software code reviews, product teardowns, reverse engineering, safety assessments, system design reviews, modeling and simulation, and failure mode and fault tree analysis. The position includes technical analysis of complex systems and critical infrastructure for operational disputes—such as root-cause failure analysis, project management delays, and standard-of-care issues—and intellectual property disputes, including patent infringement and trade-secret misappropriation. Relevant sectors include telecommunications networks, aerospace and satellite systems, naval and maritime vessels, and power generation utilities. The role also involves continued technical and business development, communication of findings to varied audiences, preparation of proposals, and contributing to practice growth. Occasional travel may be required. Government contracts require proof of U.S. citizenship and possession of, or ability to obtain, a DoD security clearance.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
Experience in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or power industries.
Knowledge of software, hardware, and systems development life cycles, including Waterfall, Agile/Scrum, and hybrid engineering formats.
Familiarity with requirements traceability, verification, and validation.
Understanding of investigative analysis for troubleshooting technical issues and solving technical challenges.
Experience with finite element analysis, numerical analysis, modeling, or simulation of devices, systems, or networks.
Experience with at least one common programming language, such as Python, C/C++, Java, or MATLAB, or a similar language.
Hands-on technical laboratory experience in electronics, power systems, robotics, controls, ML/AI, semiconductors, renewable energy, or related fields.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to gather information and convey technical conclusions to people in engineering, business, and related industries.
Interest in learning and working with a wide range of devices and systems, including hardware and software elements.
For work under the position’s U.S. Government contracts, proof of U.S. citizenship and possession of, or ability to obtain, a DoD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with government projects, proposals, and contracts.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV that includes publications, including publications in review or pending.

Responsibilities

Conduct technical analyses, including laboratory or field investigations, numerical analysis, modeling and simulation, and test design, for ongoing Exponent work.
Analyze source code, embedded software, and hardware schematics.
Evaluate system design, implementation, and maintenance against industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Analyze project lifecycles, engineering design changes, and systemic project-management failures in complex engineering, procurement, and construction contracts.
Evaluate project execution records under Waterfall and Agile/Scrum frameworks to identify delays, scope creep, and systemic delivery failures.
Investigate technology designs through software code reviews, reverse engineering, and product teardowns.
Present technical results and solutions to diverse audiences through verbal, written, and interactive communication.
Prepare technical proposals to capture new business, including Department of Defense proposals.
Pursue business-development opportunities and contribute to practice growth through technical expertise and professional networks.
Demonstrate continued professional growth in technical expertise and consulting business skills.
Work as part of a team on technical analysis involving complex systems and critical infrastructure.