Optical Engineer/Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking an Optical Engineer/Scientist (Ph.D.) in Menlo Park, CA to perform analyses and testing across optical and electronic systems for client projects.

The role emphasizes collaboration with clients, developing proposals, supervising lab testing, and advancing methodologies while pursuing professional development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics or related field.
• Experience in optics AND electronics strongly desired (lasers, LEDs; electronics, controls or circuit design).
• Experience building bench-top or product-level optical systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to convey technical conclusions to engineers, business, and industry audiences.
• Support multiple group projects and market consulting services.
• Desire to engage in professional development and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical engineering analyses and optical/electronics testing related to Exponent work.
• Interact with clients to relay technical results and support business development.
• Prepare technical proposals, pursue business development, and supervise laboratory testing.
• Critically assess test results, methods of analysis and testing protocols.
• Generate new testing protocols based on new product designs.
• Maintain systematic data collection and storage, and report writing.
• Promote your skill set to engage in a wide array of projects.
• Research and develop novel methodologies to answer cutting-edge problems.

Skills

Optics lasers LEDs

Electronics controls circuit design

Written and verbal communication

Independent working

Team collaboration

Client communication

Professional development

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics or Applied Physics

Job description

Optical Engineer/Scientist (Ph.D.)

Location: Menlo Park, CA

Responsibilities

• Performing electrical engineering analyses and optical and electronics testing related to ongoing Exponent work
• Interacting with clients to relay technical results as well as business development
• Preparing technical proposals, pursuing business developments, and supervising and managing laboratory testing
• Critically assessing test results, methods of analysis and testing protocols
• Generating new testing protocols based on new product designs
• Maintaining a systematic approach to data collection and storage, and report writing
• Promoting your skill set both internally and externally to engage in a wide array of technical projects
• Researching and developing novel methodologies to answer cutting‑edge scientific- and engineering‑based problems

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Technical background in the following disciplines (Experience in optics AND electronics strongly desired):
  • Optics, lasers, or LEDs
  • Electronics, controls or circuit design
• Experience building bench‑top or product‑level optical systems
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to gather information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, and related industry
• Ability to support multiple group projects and market the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice and its consulting services
• Strong desire to helping clients with their technical needs
• The desire to engage in professional development opportunities such as becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer (if applicable), obtaining relevant certifications, contributing to conferences or publications, etc.

Compensation

Base salary range: USD $140,000.00 - USD $154,000.00 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities. Additional compensation includes bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits

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].