Security-Focused Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator (Ph.D.)

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.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower 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 

We are currently seeking a Security-Focused Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator for our Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to test and troubleshoot secure identity credentials and other security peripherals such as smart cards relating to identity management and authentication. You will work to help test materials, components, and systems to assess them against standards and expectations relating to durability, reliability, quality, interoperability, performance, and security. You may assess component performance against environmental exposures such as repeated bending, UV sunlight, chemicals, X-rays, radio-frequency interrogation, fault-injection, power attacks, and a host of other tests. You will work on both physical and digital aspects of devices and systems both in your office, in the field, and in the lab.

• Performing electrical and digital lab tests after completing training
• Creating clear and concise reports and visualizations for clients
• Managing technical expectations of stakeholders
• Developing your cybersecurity expertise through certification programs

• Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands-on engineering, lab, instrumentation, and research abilities
• Problem solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with and an interest in hardware security, network communications and security, cryptography
• Software experience in one or more of the following languages: C/C++, Python, Java, Swift is preferred
• Ability to learn new computer languages if needed
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
• 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

Additional qualifications:

• Experience with coding and troubleshooting Arduino or similar devices
• Ability to perform instrumentation, troubleshooting, and potentially creation of electro-mechanical components, test fixtures, and equipment
• Ability to test systems and components for reliability, durability, and security

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].

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. 

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

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.