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

In this role, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on consulting projects involving the analysis and reconstruction of transportation and heavy-equipment accidents, investigation of mechanical failures, research on vehicle structures, and evaluation of the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products. You will combine a strong technical foundation, hands-on engineering skills, and clear communication to help clients solve complex technical problems. You will support established consulting engagements while developing specialized expertise in areas such as existing and emerging vehicle technologies, vehicle and component performance, and transportation accident analysis. The role offers opportunities to conduct original research, manage projects, contribute to business development, and build an independent consulting practice while growing professionally within Exponent.

About Exponent Inc.

Exponent Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world.

For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries.

At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights.

Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

950+ Consultants 640+ Ph.D.s 90+ Disciplines 30+ Offices globally

Senior Vehicle Engineers for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Natick, MA ; Philadelphia, PA ; Atlanta, GA ; Phoenix, AZ ; Tampa, FL ; Farmington Hills, MI ; and Austin, TX .

Life @ Exponent To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture.

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for​ building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for 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, cutting-edge research that advances accident reconstruction, automotive technology, and other pressing 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 clear technical reports and present findings through presentations and, when applicable, testimony to technical and non-technical audiences
• Conducting vehicle inspections, which may require some travel within the U.S. Develop specialized technical expertise and contribute to business development opportunities
• Work occasional overtime in order to meet client and project requirements
• You will have the following skills and qualifications

Requirements

• Master’s degree (M.S. or M.Eng.) or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• At least one degree must be in Mechanical Engineering for candidates whose graduate degree is in another engineering discipline.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
• For master’s-level candidates, at least four years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering
• For Ph.D.-level candidates, 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 in the context of engineering instrumentation, inspection, testing, measurement, troubleshooting, repair, and/or disassembly
• Prix, Formula Electric, Formula Hybrid, or other motorsports teams, is highly desired
• Strong foundation in statics, dynamics, mechanics, and mechanical design
• Experience with 3D CAD; proficiency with tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino 3D is preferred.
• Field and/or laboratory measurement experience and a demonstrated aptitude for complex technical analysis and problem-solving
• Clear technical writing skills, including demonstrated scholarly or professional writing; experience preparing a thesis, dissertation, peer-reviewed paper, technical report, or conference presentation is strongly preferred
• Strong verbal communication and leadership skills, with the ability to synthesize and effectively present technical information to non-technical and 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

Preferred

• Experience with collegiate racing teams such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, EcoCar, Driverless, evGrand
• Technical programming skills are a plus.

Pay

• Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent.
• At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
• Range USD $127,000.00 - USD $150,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits

• Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
• Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
• We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being.
• Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite Compensation Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth.

Benefits you will enjoy Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [email protected].

Job Locations

US-GA-Atlanta US-MA-Natick US-MI-Farmington Hills US-PA-Philadelphia US-FL-Tampa US-AZ-Phoenix US-TX-Austin