Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent seeks a Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.) to join our Farmington Hills, MI office. You will work on diverse mechanical engineering challenges, including electronics, sensors, machinery, safety, and device reliability, while growing a consulting practice and delivering client-focused solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership, strong communication, and collaboration across teams to drive technical excellence and business development for Exponent’s clients.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 8 or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to quickly build a book of business and sell Exponent consulting work to clients.
• Proven track record in technical and project managerial leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to convey technical information to engineering, business, legal and related industries.

Responsibilities

• Communicating effectively with other engineers, technicians, managers, clients, and reports.
• Generating business and selling Exponent consulting services.
• Conducting hands-on failure analysis.
• Planning and executing laboratory tests.
• Performing calculations and analysis.
• Performing field inspections.
• Supporting other practice groups and senior staff in project development and marketing.

Skills

Business development

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Project management

Mechanical analysis

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

ID: 2026-2539

Location: US-MI-Farmington Hills

Practice: Mechanical Engineering

Position Type: Full-time

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 Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in our Farmington Hills, MI office. In this role, you will work as a part of multiple teams consulting on a wide variety of mechanical engineering issues including electronics, sensors, machinery, product safety, and evaluation of device reliability. You will be expected to grow in the key aspects of consulting, including technical expertise, effective spoken and written communications, and developing a consulting practice serving clients both within and outside the firm.

You will be responsible for

• Communicating effectively with other engineers and technicians, managers, clients, and administrative reports
• Generating business and selling Exponent consulting services
• Conducting hands‑on failure analysis
• Planning and executing laboratory tests
• Performing calculations and analysis
• Performing field inspections
• Assisting the other engineering practice groups within Exponent on as‑needed basis, and support senior staff in project development and marketing

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
• 8 or more years of relevant industry experience
• The ability to quickly build a book of business and successfully sell Exponent consulting work to relevant clients
• Proven track record in technical and project managerial leadership
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute
• Ability to convey technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required.

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.

Our consultants engage in‑person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

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 dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

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-MI-Farmington Hills