Senior Vehicle Engineer - On-Site Field & Lab Testing Lead

Exponent; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 127,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Senior Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.) to join our Vehicle Engineering Practice. The role focuses on analyses of accidents, vehicle performance, and safety across multiple sites, including on-site client engagements.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research, manage projects, and contribute to business development while growing professionally within Exponent. Experience with automotive systems and hands-on testing is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (M.S./M.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field. At least one degree must be in Mechanical Engineering for candidates whose graduate degree is in another engineering discipline.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required.
• For master's-level candidates, at least four years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering.
• For Ph.D.-level candidates, at least three years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical engineering analyses of accidents involving vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Conduct field investigations, including site, scene, vehicle, and component inspections.
• Plan and execute field and laboratory test programs, including crash, sled, and handling tests.
• Apply vehicle-and-component-level testing to refine or demonstrate analyses.
• Develop original research advancing accident reconstruction and automotive technology.
• Manage projects from initiation through completion, communicating status to teams and clients.

Skills

Statics & Dynamics

Mechanical design

Technical writing

Verbal communication & leadership

Team collaboration

Automotive engineering interest

Project management

Willingness to travel

Education

M.S. or M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

US work eligibility

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Rhino 3D

Job description

Exponent is seeking a Senior Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.) to join our Vehicle Engineering Practice. The role focuses on analyses of accidents, vehicle performance, and safety across multiple sites, including on-site client engagements.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research, manage projects, and contribute to business development while growing professionally within Exponent. Experience with automotive systems and hands-on testing is required.