Robotics Cybersecurity Engineer (M.S. or Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • Phoenix, AZ

2d • $140,000 - $154,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Robotics Cybersecurity Engineer for its Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice. This role involves working with clients to design, evaluate, and improve the cybersecurity of robotic and autonomous systems in safety- and mission-critical environments. The engineer will support clients throughout the lifecycle of robotic systems, from architecture and threat modeling to development, testing, deployment, and assurance. Responsibilities include building security into new robots, assessing existing systems, and establishing cybersecurity assurance programs for platforms in industrial, transportation, medical, and defense sectors. The role requires delivering technical consulting services, assessing cybersecurity postures of various robotic components, leading threat modeling and security assessments, and advising on secure system architecture and DevSecOps practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an M.S. with at least 3 years of relevant work experience after the completion of the M.S. degree
• Proof of U.S. citizenship and the possession of, or ability to obtain, a DoD security clearance (required for U.S. Government contracts)
• Experience securing robotic, autonomous, embedded, cyber-physical, operational technology, or safety-critical systems
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity engineering principles, including threat modeling, secure architecture, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, secure software development, and risk management
• Familiarity with robotics software and systems, such as ROS/ROS 2, real-time operating systems, embedded Linux, microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, perception systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic communications protocols
• Experience with one or more relevant programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, Rust, Java, or similar languages used in robotics, embedded systems, or cybersecurity tooling
• Familiarity with secure software development practices, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, code analysis, dependency management, SBOMs, container security, and vulnerability management
• 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

Responsibilities

• Delivering highly technical consulting services to help clients design, build, evaluate, and operate secure robotic and autonomous systems used in safety- and mission-critical applications
• Assessing the cybersecurity posture of robotic systems, including embedded software, sensors, actuators, communications, autonomy stacks, cloud or edge infrastructure, operator interfaces, and supporting development environments
• Leading or supporting threat modeling, security architecture reviews, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk assessments for robotic and autonomous systems
• Helping clients define, implement, and evaluate DevSecOps practices for robotics development, including secure software development, secure CI/CD pipelines, automated security testing and simulation, SBOM generation, vulnerability management, and secure release processes
• Developing cybersecurity assurance practices, frameworks, and evidence packages for robotic systems
• Advising clients on secure system architecture, including identity and access management, secure communications, encryption, key management, secure boot, trusted execution, software update mechanisms, logging, monitoring, and incident response
• Leading or collaborating 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 secure robotics solutions, and translating insights into actionable recommendations
• Advising clients on both technical and strategic business solutions, identifying new technology-driven opportunities, and helping clients plan scalable, sustainable, and efficient systems
• Supporting 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

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

What This Job Offers

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