Senior Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • Atlanta, GA

1d • $127,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking Senior Vehicle Engineers for its Vehicle Engineering Practice in Natick, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; Tampa, Florida; Farmington Hills, Michigan; and Austin, Texas. The role involves working with a multidisciplinary consulting team on transportation and heavy-equipment accident analysis and reconstruction, mechanical-failure investigations, vehicle-structure research, and evaluation of consumer and industrial product design, performance, and safety. The engineer will apply technical knowledge, hands-on engineering skills, and clear communication to help clients address complex technical problems.

The position supports existing consulting engagements while allowing the engineer to develop specialized expertise in vehicle technologies, vehicle and component performance, and transportation accident analysis. Opportunities include conducting original research, managing projects, contributing to business development, and developing an independent consulting practice.

Exponent describes its office environment as in-person, supportive, collaborative, dynamic, and multidisciplinary. Consultants work in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities, and have autonomy to balance work and personal schedules. Some travel within the United States may be required for vehicle inspections, and occasional overtime may be needed to meet client and project requirements.

The stated base salary range is USD $127,000 to $150,000 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary. Exponent also notes that it offers programs and resources supporting health and well-being, competitive benefits, and compensation and recognition programs; further benefits information is available on its Life@Exponent page.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (M.S. or M.Eng.) or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related engineering field. Candidates whose graduate degree is in another engineering discipline must have at least one degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Must be presently legally authorized to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not available.
• Master’s-level candidates must have at least four years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering.
• Ph.D.-level candidates must have at least three years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering.
• Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in automotive systems, vehicle technology, and vehicle or mechanical-system performance.
• Hands-on experience in a garage, workshop, field, or laboratory environment involving ground vehicles and engineering instrumentation, inspection, testing, measurement, troubleshooting, repair, or disassembly.
• Strong foundation in statics, dynamics, mechanics, and mechanical design.
• Field and/or laboratory measurement experience and demonstrated aptitude for complex technical analysis and problem-solving.
• Clear technical writing skills, including demonstrated scholarly or professional writing.
• Strong verbal communication and leadership skills, with the ability to synthesize and effectively present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or the willingness and ability to obtain licensure.
• Versatile, collaborative, and team-oriented, with a proven dedication to quality and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with collegiate racing teams such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, EcoCar, Driverless, evGrand Prix, Formula Electric, Formula Hybrid, or other motorsports teams is highly desired.
• Experience with 3D CAD; proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino 3D is preferred.
• Technical programming skills are a plus.
• Experience preparing a thesis, dissertation, peer-reviewed paper, technical report, or conference presentation is strongly preferred.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications, including publications that are in review or pending.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical engineering analyses of accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transportation, two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, roadway users, and heavy equipment.
• Conduct first-hand field investigations, including site, scene, vehicle, equipment, and component inspections.
• Plan, set up, and execute field and laboratory test programs, including full-scale crash, sled, and handling tests, as well as vehicle, component, and control-system evaluations.
• Apply vehicle- and component-level testing and engineering measurements to refine, validate, or demonstrate technical analyses.
• Analyze mechanical failures and evaluate the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products and existing or emerging vehicle technologies.
• Identify research needs and conduct original research advancing accident reconstruction, automotive technology, and other vehicle-transportation issues.
• Manage projects from initiation through completion; communicate status and technical updates to project teams, clients, and administrative staff; and help ensure deadlines and quality expectations are met.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings through presentations and, when applicable, testimony to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Conduct vehicle inspections, which may require travel within the United States.
• Develop specialized technical expertise and contribute to business development opportunities.
• Work occasional overtime to meet client and project requirements.

Benefits

• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary for Associate and Senior Associate level total compensation.
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts and an annual bonus for Associate and Senior Associate level 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: Senior