Vehicle Engineer/Sr. Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is seeking a Vehicle Engineer in Austin, TX, with an interest in the automotive field. Responsibilities include managing projects from initiation to completion, performing technical engineering analysis, and conducting site inspections.

The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience. The position involves analyzing transportation accidents and delivering exceptional work products.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of automotive systems.
• Field and/or lab measurement experience required.
• Willingness to obtain a P.E. license.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initiation to completion.
• Perform technical engineering analysis.
• Conduct site and equipment inspections.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD (AutoCAD or Rhino3D)

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Leadership and communication skills

Hands-on skills

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

M.S. in related field and 2 years of experience

Job description

Our Opportunity

Exponent's is seeking aVehicle Engineer with a fundamental interest in the automotive field for our Vehicle Engineering practice in Austin, TX. The candidate should be technically talented with good hands‑on skills, have excellent communication skills, and be motivated to ultimately develop their own consulting practice and grow professionally within Exponent. The individual in this position will initially be responsible for the support of existing consulting projects that involve the analysis of transportation accidents, mechanical failures, and the design of consumer and industrial products. We expect the individual to ultimately develop a specialized expertise in the automotive field such as the design and performance of existing or emerging automotive technology, or analysis and reconstruction of transportation accidents. It is expected that some projects will include the setup and execution of various test programs, including full‑scale tests (crash, sled, and handling tests) and component or control systems evaluations. The successful candidate is also expected to manage projects from initiation to completion and ensure that Exponent meets its deadlines and produces exceptional work product.

You will be responsible for

• Managing projects from initiation to completion; communicating project updates to other team members, clients, and administrative staff; ensuring that Exponent meets its deadlines and produces exceptional work product; and identifying business‑development opportunities
• Performing technical engineering analysis
• Field and laboratory testing
• Identifying areas of, and performing, original research
• Conducting site, scene, vehicle and equipment inspections
• Preparing written reports and presenting results/findings in a logical and cogent manner to diverse audiences
• The ideal candidate should be willing and able to work overtime occasionally and travel as needed to fulfill client needs

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering (or a M.S. and 2 years of experience) and knowledge of automotive systems
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
• Field and/or lab measurement experience required
• Must have knowledge of dynamics, mechanical design, and 3D CAD (AutoCAD or Rhino3D preferred)
• Must have analytical and problem‑solving skills
• P.E. license or the willingness to obtain a P.E. license
• Must possess strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present technical information
• Clear written communication and technical writing skills are required
• Must have a proven dedication to quality and accuracy
• Field and/or lab measurement experience with excellent hands‑on skills (i.e., experience taking something apart to either fix it, or see how it works)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

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 Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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-TX-Austin