Managing Engineer - Vehicle Engineering (MS/PhD)

Exponent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Managing Engineer for the Vehicle Engineering Practice in Los Angeles, CA (or Irvine, CA) to lead incident analyses across passenger and commercial vehicles, perform site inspections, and provide detailed reports for clients. The role emphasizes leadership, technical excellence, and business development within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualified candidates will have an advanced engineering degree (MS/PhD) and 5+ years of experience, PE licensure, and strong communication

Qualifications

• Must have MS/Eng/PhD in mechanical/automotive engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initiation to completion including field investigations and analyses.

Skills

Five+ years experience

Verbal communication

Written communication

Business development

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Analytical problem solving

Dynamics & mechanics knowledge

Software modeling experience

PE license

Education

M.S./M.Eng/Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Tools

Software for modeling/analysis

Job description

Managing Engineer - Vehicle Engineering (MS/PhD)

• Location: US-CA-Los Angeles
• 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 Engineer for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Los Angeles, CA or Irvine, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to analyze incidents involving passenger and commercial vehicles, mobile construction and mining machines, and other industrial equipment. Your technical and analytical skills, practical hands‑on experience, and proven communication skills will provide Exponent's clients with the detailed and nuanced solutions they need for their most challenging problems. Exponent will provide the ideal environment to help you grow professionally and develop your own consulting practice within Exponent.

You will be responsible for

• Managing projects from initiation to completion to include:
  • Providing broad technical support for, and performing, field investigations and analyses
  • Communicating project updates both internally and externally
  • Ensuring that Exponent meets its deadlines and produces exceptional work product
  • Identifying and developing business opportunities
• Identifying and performing original research that furthers knowledge in the fields of vehicle safety, technology and accident reconstruction and analysis
• Developing specialized expertise in the on‑and off‑road vehicle and mobile equipment field such as product safety, design, and performance, or analysis and reconstruction of accidents
• Traveling to and performing site and equipment inspections
• Preparing detailed written reports and presentations for diverse audiences
• 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., M.Eng, or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering
• 5+ years of full‑time work experience in relevant technical fields
• Holds a Professional Engineering (P.E.) License
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
• Experience testifying in deposition and/or trial as an expert in mechanical engineering, safety engineering, accident reconstruction, failure analysis, or related areas
• 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
• Extensive analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Deep and fundamental knowledge of dynamics and mechanics
• Experience using software to model and analyze technical problems
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated superior written communication skills (e.g., thesis or publications)
• Dedication to quality work product and attention to detail

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. #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. 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-CA-Los Angeles
• US-CA-Irvine