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

Exponent • Menlo Park, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Vehicle Engineer for its Vehicle Engineering Practice in Menlo Park, California. The role 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 team and have the opportunity to develop an independent consulting practice and grow professionally within Exponent.

The position is expected to develop specialized automotive expertise, which may focus on the design and performance of existing or emerging automotive technology or the analysis and reconstruction of transportation accidents. Work includes managing projects, communicating with team members and clients, meeting deadlines and quality standards, identifying business development opportunities, and planning and conducting testing and evaluations.

Exponent describes an in-person, collaborative, multidisciplinary office environment. Consultants generally work in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities, with autonomy to balance work and personal schedules. The role may require overtime and travel when needed.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not available.
• 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 a P.E. license.
• Versatility, a team-oriented approach, and 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.
• Dedication to quality and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with automotive systems and an interest in vehicle technology.
• A record of authoring published research or technical papers.
• Hands-on experience ideally involving vehicles or engineering instrumentation.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino3D.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initiation to completion.
• Communicate project updates to team members, clients, and administrative staff.
• Ensure Exponent meets deadlines and produces exceptional work product.
• Identify business development opportunities.
• Set up and execute test programs, including full-scale vehicle crash, sled, and handling tests, as well as component or control-systems evaluations.
• Develop specialized automotive expertise in areas such as automotive technology design and performance or transportation accident analysis and reconstruction.

Benefits

• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts and an annual bonus at the Associate and Senior Associate levels.
• Programs and resources supporting health and well-being.
• Competitive benefits, compensation, and recognition programs.
• Mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

What This Job Offers

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