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

About Exponent

Exponent is a premium engineering and scientific consulting firm. 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.

Our Opportunity

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

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.
• Investigate mechanical failures.
• Research vehicle structures.
• Evaluate the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products.
• Combine a strong technical foundation, hands-on engineering skills, and clear communication to help clients solve complex technical problems.
• 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.
• Conduct original research.
• Manage projects.
• Contribute to business development.
• Build an independent consulting practice.

Key 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, 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.
• Conduct 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.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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 one year of relevant experience is preferred; internship or co-op experience may be considered.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Technical programming skills are a plus.
• 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.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications.

Compensation

• Salary Range: USD $110,000.00 - USD $140,000.00 /Yr.
• 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.