Manager - Vehicle Engineering (MS/PhD)

Exponent; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent seeks a Managing Vehicle Engineer in Natick, MA to lead projects analyzing real-world crashes, evaluate vehicle performance, and develop consulting expertise in automotive tech and crash reconstruction. The role involves growing a consulting practice, mentoring teams, and delivering high-quality technical work for diverse clients.

Ideal candidates hold an engineering MS/PhD, PE license (or pursuit), and 8+ years in transportation consulting, with strong leadership, business development,

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in an Engineering field, preferably mechanics and dynamics.
• 8+ years of full-time experience in transportation or technical consulting.
• Professional Engineering license or willingness to obtain a P.E. license.
• Authorized to work in the United States; no sponsorship needed.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Leadership and teamwork capabilities.
• Ability to generate business and manage client relationships.
• Ability to attract new business from clients.
• Ability to lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Deep knowledge of dynamics and mechanics.
• Field and/or lab measurement experience with hands-on skills.
• Experience modeling and analyzing technical problems with software.

Responsibilities

• Managing projects from initiation to completion.
• Conducting field investigations including crash locations and vehicles.
• Performing technical analysis related to project-specific casework.
• Communicating project updates internally and externally.
• Meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
• Identifying opportunities to capture new business.
• Performing original research in vehicle safety, technology and accident reconstruction.
• Developing automotive specialization in product design, performance, or reconstruction.
• Preparing detailed reports and presentations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Providing expert testimony related to projects.
• Growing and managing client relationships.

Job description

Job Details

• ID: 2026-2312
• Location: US-MA-Natick
• Practice: Vehicle Engineering
• Position Type: Full-time
• Posted Salary Range: USD $160,000.00 - USD $200,000.00 /Yr.
• Workplace Type: On-Site

About 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.

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our 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!

Key statistics:

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

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Managing Vehicle Engineer for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Natick, MA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to support existing consulting projects that involve the analysis of real-world transportation crashes, evaluate the performance of whole vehicles and components in different crash modes, analyze mechanical failures, and analyze the design and performance of consumer and industrial products. You will be expected to ultimately develop your own consulting practice and grow professionally within Exponent. We expect you to develop specialized expertise in the automotive field such as the design and performance of existing or emerging automotive technology, or analysis and reconstruction of on-road and off-road vehicle crashes.

You will be responsible for

• Managing projects from initiation to completion
• Conducting field investigations including crash locations and vehicles
• Performing technical analysis related to project-specific casework
• Coomunicating project updates both internally and externally
• Meeting internal and external deadlines and producing exceptional work product
• Seek out opportunities to capture new business
• Identifying and performing original research that furthers knowledge in the fields of vehicle safety, technology and accident reconstruction
• Developing specialized expertise in the automotive field, such as product design and performance, or analysis and reconstruction of vehicle accidents
• Preparing detailed written reports and presentations to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Supporting and providing expert testimony related to consulting projects
• Working continuously to manage and grow new and existing client relationships

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in an Engineering field, preferably pertaining to mechanics and dynamics
• 8+ years of full-time work experience in the transportation industry or relevant technical consulting
• Professional Engineering license or the willingness to obtain a P.E. license
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
• Extensive problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Ability to generate business and manage client relationships
• Ability to attract new business from new and existing clients
• Ability to manage and develop a team of skilled and high-performing individuals
• Deep and fundamental knowledge of dynamics and mechanics
• Field and/or lab measurement experience with good hands-on skills
• Experience using software to model and analyze technical problems
  • 3D CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino3D preferred)
• Ability to synthesize technical information into detailed and clear written or verbal communications
• Versatile and team-oriented; willing to work overtime when required
• Proven dedication to quality, accuracy, and technical writing

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. 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.

Work Environment

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. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment.

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. 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.

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 Manager level and above total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is depending on experience and capabilities, which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary Range

USD $160,000.00 - USD $200,000.00 /Yr.

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 [e-mail].

Job Locations

US-MA-Natick