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

Exponent • Atlanta, GA

1d • 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 team on consulting projects that analyze and reconstruct transportation and heavy-equipment accidents, investigate mechanical failures, research vehicle structures, and evaluate the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products.

The engineer will combine technical expertise, hands-on engineering skills, and clear communication to help clients address complex technical problems. The position supports established consulting engagements while offering opportunities to develop expertise in vehicle technologies, vehicle and component performance, and transportation accident analysis. It also offers opportunities to conduct original research, manage projects, contribute to business development, and build an independent consulting practice.

Exponent’s consultants generally work in person in an office unless traveling for client work or other business activities. The work environment is supportive, collaborative, dynamic, and multidisciplinary. Consultants have flexibility to balance work and personal schedules while meeting client needs. Occasional overtime may be needed to meet client and project requirements.

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.
• 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, including the ability to synthesize and present technical information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or 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.
• Experience with 3D CAD; proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino 3D is preferred.
• Technical programming skills.
• Experience preparing a thesis, dissertation, peer-reviewed paper, technical report, or conference presentation.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications, including publications under 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 vehicle-transportation issues.
• Manage projects from initiation through completion; communicate project 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 to technical and non-technical audiences, including through testimony when applicable.
• Conduct vehicle inspections, which may require some 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

• Competitive benefits and compensation and recognition programs.
• Programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Flexible, agile work style and working hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior