Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary

Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is seeking a security-focused Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator in Menlo Park, CA. You will perform tests and troubleshoot security peripherals, assessing them against various standards related to performance and security. The position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field and strong problem-solving skills. The base salary ranges from USD $132,000 to $154,000 annually. This position involves independent work and collaboration, aimed at contributing to secure identity management and authentication systems.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field required.
• Experience with hardware security, network communications and security preferred.
• Ability to learn new programming languages and tools as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical and digital lab tests.
• Develop cybersecurity expertise through certification programs.
• Create clear reports and visualizations for clients.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work independently

Programming languages: Python, C/C++, Java

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Arduino

MATLAB

Job description

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a security-focused Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator for our Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to test and troubleshoot secure identity credentials and other security peripherals such as smart cards relating to identity management and authentication. You will help test materials, components, and systems to assess them against standards and expectations relating to durability, reliability, quality, interoperability, performance, and security. You may assess component performance against environmental or adversarial exposures such as repeated bending, UV sunlight, chemicals, X-rays, radio‑frequency interrogation, side‑channel analyses, fault‑injection attacks, and a host of other tests. You will work on both physical and digital aspects of devices and systems both in your office, in the field, and in the lab.

You will be responsible for

• Performing electrical and digital lab tests
• Creating clear and concise reports and visualizations for clients
• Managing technical expectations of stakeholders
• Developing your cybersecurity expertise through certification programs
• Communicating technical information to diverse audiences, including preparation of technical reports and presentations

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands‑on engineering, lab, instrumentation, and research abilities
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with, or an interest in, two or more of the following areas:
  • Hardware security
  • Network communications and security
  • Practical or theoretical cryptography
  • SecOps, threat detection/incident response
  • Blue teaming/red teaming
• Experience with at least one common programming language such as Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, Swift, or similar
• Ability to learn new computer languages and tools as needed
• Our contracts with the United States Government for this position require proof of U.S. citizenship and the possession of, or ability to obtain, a DoD security clearance

Additional qualifications

• Experience with coding and troubleshooting Arduino or similar devices
• Ability to perform instrumentation, troubleshooting, and potentially creation of electro‑mechanical components, test fixtures, and equipment
• Ability to test systems and components for reliability, durability, and security
• Ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences, including preparation of technical reports and presentations

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. 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 and will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $132,000.00 – USD $154,000.00 /Yr.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 [e-mail].

Job Locations

US-CA-Menlo Park