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

Exponent Inc. • Atlanta, GA

2d • $110,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking 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 on multidisciplinary consulting projects analyzing and reconstructing transportation and heavy-equipment accidents, investigating mechanical failures, researching vehicle structures, and evaluating the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products. The engineer applies technical knowledge, hands-on engineering skills, and clear communication to help clients solve complex technical problems.

The position supports established consulting engagements while developing 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. Consultants generally work in person at an Exponent office unless traveling for client work or other business activities, with flexibility to balance work and personal schedules. Some U.S. travel and occasional overtime may be required.

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.
• Be presently legally authorized to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not available.
• 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

• For master’s-level candidates, at least one year of relevant experience is preferred; internship or co-op experience may be considered.
• 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.

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.
• Use 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 meet deadlines and quality expectations.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including testimony when applicable.
• Conduct vehicle inspections, which may require travel within the U.S.
• Develop specialized technical expertise and contribute to business development opportunities.
• Work occasional overtime to meet client and project requirements.

Benefits

• At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, and an annual bonus.
• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• The firm offers programs and resources supporting health and well-being, competitive benefits, and compensation and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

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