Machine Learning Engineer (Mechanical Engineering Practice, Ph.D.)

Exponent; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Exponent in Menlo Park, CA is seeking a highly skilled Ph.D. engineer to perform modeling, simulations, and ML tasks across laboratory and field environments.

The role emphasizes leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. On-site position with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Eng or similar completed before employment.
• Specialized knowledge in dynamic systems, robotics, physics engines, data science, ML and foundation AI models.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Version control and software engineering best practices; cloud/lakehouse development preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong project ownership and leadership; ability to develop client relationships.
• Ability to convey technical information to engineering, business, legal and related audiences.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no immigration sponsorship).

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with engineers, managers, clients, and administrative reports.
• Perform hands-on work in laboratory environments.
• Perform field inspections.
• Perform first-principle analytical calculations.
• Perform numerical simulations using physics engines.
• Model using classical machine learning and deep learning models.
• Evaluate and explain models using data science principles.
• Create written reports and presentations.

Skills

Python

Communication

Project ownership

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or similar

Tools

Git

Cloud/Lakehouse environments

Job description

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with other engineers, managers, clients, and administrative reports.
• Perform hands‑on work in laboratory environments.
• Perform field inspections.
• Perform first‑principle analytical calculations.
• Perform numerical simulations using physics engines.
• Model using classical machine learning and deep learning models.
• Evaluate and explain models using data science principles.
• Create written reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a similar field (must be completed prior to employment).
• Specialized knowledge in dynamic systems, robotics, physics engines, data science, machine learning, and foundation AI models.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Working knowledge of version control, software engineering best practices, software development in lakehouses and/or cloud environments (preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent project ownership characteristics.
• Ability to work within project teams, with a strong desire for technical and project leadership, and a desire to develop new client relationships.
• Ability to convey technical information to audiences in engineering, business, legal, and related industries.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no immigration sponsorship or processing required).

Compensation

Base salary range: USD $140,000.00 – $160,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Total compensation includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits

Exponent provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and additional employee resources. For full benefits details, please see Exponent’s Life@Exponent page.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 HR‑[e-mail].

Location

Menlo Park, CA, USA (On‑site). Travel to client sites as required.

Position Type

Full‑time.