Vehicle Mechanical Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.) - Exponent Inc.

About Exponent:

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

 

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

 

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!   

 

Key statistics: 

• 950+ Consultants 
• 640+ Ph.D.s 
• 90+ Disciplines 
• 30+ Offices globally 

Our Opportunity:

We are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer at the Associate/Senior Associate level with a fundamental interest and knowledge base in specialty vehicle development for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in our Phoenix, AZ Test and Engineering Center. In this role you will be responsible for supporting reactive product liability matters that involve design, development, analysis, and testing of specialty vehicles such as recreational vehicles (including Class A, Class B, Class C, fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers and truck campers), as well as ambulances, terminal trucks, buses and street sweepers and potentially other heavy vehicles built in one or more stages. Proactive work will involve assisting manufacturers in executing their design and vehicle launch process. 

We are looking for someone who is hands-on with the ability to support fieldwork, and testing, as well as motivated to advance professionally and ultimately develop and grow their consulting practice within Exponent. A portion of the work in this role will involve occasional travel to support vehicle inspections and on-site manufacturer support in the proactive work.  There are also opportunities to get involved with data acquisition and testing at the Test and Engineering Center in support of Exponent initiatives.

You will be responsible for:

• Conducting vehicle and site inspections to identify root cause
• Vehicle compliance support for on-highway vehicles
• Work with industry contacts to develop a Society of Automotive Engineers paper or publication in the Recreational Vehicle Sector
• Preparing written technical reports and presenting results of an analysis to a diverse audience
• Planning, communicating, conducting engineering analyses, and executing project-related tasks
• Simultaneously managing numerous projects with varying deadlines while ensuring exceptional work-product is produced
• Review regulatory requirements, specifications, trade studies and failure mode effects and analysis
• Design of specialized test and evaluation equipment
• Preparing written technical reports and presenting findings to diverse audiences
• Assist in the execution of test programs at the Exponent Test and Engineering Center

You will have the following skills and qualifications:

• M.S. (or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• P.E. license or the willingness to obtain a P.E. license
• One or more of:
  • Advanced knowledge of dynamics and mechanical design
  • Advanced knowledge of actuation systems (electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic)
  • Experience with conventional and CNC manufacturing processes
  • Experience with 3D printing processes
  • Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition tools
• Attention to detail and dedication to quality and accuracy
• Ability to synthesize technical information and present conclusions to a diverse team
• Experience with CAD software and analytical and simulation tools desired (SolidWorks preferred)
• Must have a solid fundamental understanding of engineering principles, dynamics, and mechanical design, with proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and/or support multiple diverse projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal staff and clients
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong technical writing skills with the capability to clearly convey technical information in a concise yet thorough manner
• Industry or manufacturing experience is a plus
• Experience conducting research and publishing technical information is a plus
• Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a plus

 

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

Life @ Exponent:

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

 

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

 

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

 

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

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 

Benefits you will enjoy:

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

 

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

 

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-Accommodations@exponent.com.

 

 

 

Job Locations:US-AZ-Phoenix