Senior Vehicle Engineer (MS/PhD) – Accident Analysis

Exponent; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 127,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Senior Vehicle Engineer with an MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering to join our Vehicle Engineering Practice. The role involves analysis of accidents, investigation of failures, and evaluation of vehicle performance across multiple sites in the United States.

Travel to field sites and laboratories is expected. You will contribute to research on advanced vehicle technologies, manage projects, and communicate findings clearly to non-technical clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Ph.D. degree accepted for higher level; at least one degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; no sponsorship needed.
• Experience in automotive engineering: MS level 4+ years, PhD level 3+ years.
• Knowledge of vehicle systems, testing, and performance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical analyses of vehicle accidents and related failures.
• Conduct field and lab investigations and inspections of vehicles and components.
• Plan and execute crash, sled, and handling tests; evaluate system performance.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to clients and stakeholders.
• Communicate project status to teams and clients; manage deadlines.

Skills

Automotive engineering

Vehicle systems

Statics and dynamics

Mechanical design

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Project management

PE license

Education

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Rhino 3D

Matlab/Programming

Job description

Exponent is seeking a Senior Vehicle Engineer with an MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering to join our Vehicle Engineering Practice. The role involves analysis of accidents, investigation of failures, and evaluation of vehicle performance across multiple sites in the United States.

Travel to field sites and laboratories is expected. You will contribute to research on advanced vehicle technologies, manage projects, and communicate findings clearly to non-technical clients and internal teams.