Computer Scientist (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.  

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 

We are currently seeking a Computer Scientist for our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to help our clients solve challenging technical problems which are often urgent, high profile, and multi-disciplinary. You will be involved in a variety of projects with applications in domains such as patent litigation, automobile failure analysis and consumer electronics. You will have the opportunity to define and shape your individual consulting practice based on your skills and interests.

• Performing technical analysis of software and hardware through code review, static or dynamic testing or reverse engineering
• Performing analysis/consulting on a variety of scientific/engineering problems in a variety of electrical/electronic components, products, and systems
• Electronic and computer laboratory testing
• Reporting that clearly illustrates and explains results to both technical and business audiences
• Identifying projects to support as an individual consultant
• Preparing technical proposals, developing business opportunities, and managing projects
• Leading and executing projects requiring computer science and electrical engineering skills
• Developing business by bringing in one or more consulting projects within the first year after hire
• Leveraging your existing network of contacts coupled with Exponent’s depth and breadth to generate new business leads and expand offerings and value to Exponent’s current clients

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field
• Demonstrated interest and experience in software, operating systems, file systems, networking protocols, embedded systems, electronics and other technical aspects of computing systems
• Skilled in low level programming languages like C and C++
• Experience in software development, and team-based programming as demonstrated through code examples
• Electrical or electronics laboratory experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by first author publications and talks or presentations
• Ability to gather information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, and related industries
• Interest in learning and working with a wide range of devices and systems that span a broad array of consumer and industrial application, including both hardware and software elements of these systems
• Desire to learn, and work with, an array of different, software frameworks, tools, and programming languages
• Ability to support multiple group projects and market the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice and its consulting services

• Experience in two or more of the following areas:

  • Operating Systems

  • Embedded Computing

  • Networking

  • Machine Learning

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Computer Vision

  • Web Development

  • Mobile App Development

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].

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.

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.