Robotics Cybersecurity Engineer (M.S. or Ph.D.)

Exponent, Inc; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent, Inc in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Robotics Cybersecurity Engineer to assist clients in ensuring the cybersecurity of robotic systems used in critical environments. You'll engage in tasks ranging from threat modeling to vulnerability assessments, helping clients build secure robotic solutions.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in a relevant field or an M.S. with experience. Benefits include competitive salary and a commitment to equal opportunity employment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field or M.S. with experience.
• U.S. citizenship and DoD security clearance required.
• Experience with cybersecurity for robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical consulting for secure robotic systems.
• Assess cybersecurity posture of robotic systems.
• Lead vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

Skills

Cybersecurity engineering principles

Robotic systems security

Communication skills

Programming (C, C++, Python)

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, or related

M.S. with 3+ years of experience

Tools

ROS/ROS 2

Embedded Linux

Real-time operating systems

Job description

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Robotics Cybersecurity Engineer for our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; or another U.S. location. In this role you will work as part of a team to help clients design, evaluate, and improve the cybersecurity of robotic and autonomous systems used in safety- and mission-critical environments. You will support clients throughout the lifecycle of robotic systems, from early architecture and threat modeling through development, testing, deployment, and assurance.

You will help clients build security into robots they are developing, assess the security and fitness-for-purpose of existing robotic systems, and establish practical cybersecurity assurance programs for robotic platforms operating in industrial, transportation, medical, and defense environments.

You will be responsible for

• Delivering highly technical consulting services to help clients design, build, evaluate, and operate secure robotic and autonomous systems used in safety- and mission-critical applications
• Assessing the cybersecurity posture of robotic systems, including embedded software, sensors, actuators, communications, autonomy stacks, cloud or edge infrastructure, operator interfaces, and supporting development environments
• Leading or supporting threat modeling, security architecture reviews, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk assessments for robotic and autonomous systems
• Helping clients define, implement, and evaluate DevSecOps practices for robotics development, including secure software development, secure CI/CD pipelines, automated security testing and simulation, SBOM generation, vulnerability management, and secure release processes
• Developing cybersecurity assurance practices, frameworks, and evidence packages for robotic systems
• Advising clients on secure system architecture, including identity and access management, secure communications, encryption, key management, secure boot, trusted execution, software update mechanisms, logging, monitoring, and incident response
• Leading or collaborating on all phases of the client engagement lifecycle, including identifying client needs, framing and scoping business problems, developing project and sprint plans, building and evaluating secure robotics solutions, and translating insights into actionable recommendations
• Advising clients on both technical and strategic business solutions, identifying new technology-driven opportunities, and helping clients plan scalable, sustainable, and efficient systems
• Supporting business development by proactively building relationships with clients, identifying new project opportunities, and helping craft and execute business and technical solutions, either independently or collaboratively with firm leadership

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an M.S. with at least 3 years of relevant work experience after the completion of the M.S. degree
• Our contracts with the United States Government for this position require proof of U.S. citizenship and the possession of, or ability to obtain, a DoD security clearance
• Experience securing robotic, autonomous, embedded, cyber-physical, operational technology, or safety-critical systems
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity engineering principles, including threat modeling, secure architecture, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, secure software development, and risk management
• Familiarity with robotics software and systems, such as ROS/ROS 2, real-time operating systems, embedded Linux, microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, perception systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic communications protocols
• Experience with one or more relevant programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, Rust, Java, or similar languages used in robotics, embedded systems, or cybersecurity tooling
• Familiarity with secure software development practices, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, code analysis, dependency management, SBOMs, container security, and vulnerability management
• Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, scientific, and business concepts for diverse audiences
• Business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of identifying value for clients, framing business plans, and driving business development
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to thrive independently and as a collaborative team member in fast-paced, multidisciplinary settings

USD $140,000.00 - USD $154,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits you will enjoy

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-AZ-Phoenix