Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)
About The Position
Exponent is seeking a Vehicle Engineer for its Vehicle Engineering Practice in Menlo Park, California. The position supports consulting projects involving transportation accident analysis, mechanical failures, and the design of consumer and industrial products. The engineer will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and may ultimately develop an independent consulting practice and specialized automotive expertise, such as automotive technology design and performance or transportation accident analysis and reconstruction. The role includes managing projects from initiation through completion, coordinating project updates, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work. It also involves identifying business development opportunities and setting up and executing test programs, including full-scale vehicle crash, sled, and handling tests, as well as component and control-system evaluations. Exponent describes its office environment as collaborative and multidisciplinary. Consultants generally work in person at the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities. The firm offers flexible working hours and autonomy to balance work and personal schedules. The position may require overtime and travel when needed. The listed base salary range is USD $110,000 to $140,000 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities. At the Associate and Senior Associate levels, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and an employer 401(k) contribution equal to 7% of base salary. Exponent states that it offers programs and resources supporting health and well-being and directs applicants to its Life@Exponent page for benefits information.
Requirements
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
- Present legal authorization to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not provided.
- Demonstrated experience in technical or scholarly writing.
- Hands-on experience in a garage, workshop, field, or laboratory environment.
- Field and/or laboratory measurement experience.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of dynamics, mechanical design, and 3D CAD.
- P.E. license, or willingness and ability to obtain one.
- Versatility and a team-oriented approach; willingness to work overtime and travel when required.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize technical information and present it to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated dedication to quality and accuracy.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with automotive systems and interest in vehicle technology.
- A record of authoring published research or technical papers.
- Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino3D.
Responsibilities
- Manage projects from initiation to completion.
- Communicate project updates to team members, clients, and administrative staff.
- Ensure deadlines are met and work products are exceptional.
- Identify business development opportunities.
- Set up and execute test programs, including full-scale vehicle crash, sled, and handling tests, and component or control-system evaluations.
- Develop specialized automotive expertise, such as automotive technology design and performance or transportation accident analysis and reconstruction.
Benefits
- Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts at the Associate and Senior Associate levels.
- Annual bonus at the Associate and Senior Associate levels.
- 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary at the Associate and Senior Associate levels.
- Programs and resources to support health and well-being; benefits information is available on Exponent’s Life@Exponent page.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
