Human Factors Managing Scientist (M.S. or Ph.D.)

Exponent • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Human Factors Scientist for a Manager-level position in its Human Factors Practice, based in the Chicago, Illinois office. The role works with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging, often urgent and high-profile technical problems. The work analyzes human performance in scenarios involving automobiles, occupational work, and consumer products, including investigating past accidents and injuries and managing safety risks to help prevent future incidents. The scientist also collaborates with professionals across Vehicle Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomechanics, and Computer, Data & Security Sciences. The position offers an opportunity to shape an individual consulting practice around the employee’s skills and interests.

The role combines technical consulting and analysis with project and client management. It includes investigating human perceptual, cognitive, and response capabilities and limitations; inspecting vehicles and roadways; researching technical data, scientific literature, and standards; and communicating findings to technical and non-technical audiences. The Managing Scientist also supports business development, manages project costs, recruits and develops junior staff, and contributes to the Human Factors Practice. The work is primarily in person at the office, with travel for client work and other business activities. Consultants have flexibility to balance work and personal schedules.

Exponent describes a collaborative, dynamic, multidisciplinary office environment and offers programs and resources supporting health and well-being. At Manager level and above, total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary. The stated base salary range is $137,000–$167,000 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Experimental, Computational, Developmental, or Cognitive Psychology; Cognitive Science; Cognitive Neuroscience; or a related field. A master’s degree with relevant experience will be considered.
• Currently based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago, Illinois area.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not available.
• At least five years of experience in litigation support, forensic consulting, health and safety investigation, or a relevant field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success independently developing and managing client relationships.
• Outstanding reputation among clients for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise.
• A targeted business development plan for specific clients or sectors.
• Ability to attract projects to support full-time staff and manage and develop a group of highly motivated individuals.

Nice To Haves

• An undergraduate degree in Psychology, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in experimental design, human subjects testing, instrumentation, data analysis, and computer programming such as Matlab, SAS, SPSS, or Labview.
• Prior experience with litigation consulting.

Responsibilities

• Manage consulting activities analyzing human perceptual, cognitive, and response capabilities and limitations in accidents and accident prevention.
• Conduct hands-on inspections and analyze human performance related to vehicles and roadways in accident and injury investigations.
• Work on multidisciplinary projects, providing case management, data processing, and other project support.
• Conduct research and obtain and review technical data, scientific literature, and standards.
• Develop client contacts.
• Prepare written and oral summaries of human factors analyses.
• Participate in the design and evaluation of warnings and safety information.
• Communicate complex analyses clearly and succinctly to non-technical audiences.
• Assist with research, publish reports and papers in technical journals, and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Manage projects using effective cost-control measures.
• Recruit and develop the careers of junior staff.
• Participate actively in the Human Factors Practice and help market the group’s technical capabilities to clients and the scientific community.
• Independently develop and manage client relationships, pursue a targeted business development plan, attract projects to support full-time staff, and manage and develop a group of highly motivated individuals.

Benefits

• At Manager level and above, annual bonus and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary are included in total compensation.
• Programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• Competitive benefits, compensation, and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

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