Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity 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.  

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 an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Scientist for our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park or Oakland, CA or other U.S. locations. In this role, you will work as part of a team to help clients:

1. Securely and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
2. Develop and implement assurance practices and frameworks for operational technology (OT) environments, including critical infrastructure
3. Design, build, and evaluate AI-enabled systems that improve the cybersecurity posture of OT environments

• Delivering highly technical AI consulting services to help clients adopt AI solutions securely, responsibly, and effectively
• Developing approaches to evaluate, assure, and govern AI systems before deployment, with particular emphasis on cybersecurity
• Evaluating AI systems for cybersecurity risks, including adversarial manipulation, data poisoning, model extraction, prompt injection, insecure tool use, and unsafe autonomous behavior
• Applying cybersecurity and AI risk management frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK, MITRE ATLAS, ISA/IEC 62443, and relevant sector-specific critical infrastructure guidance
• Leading efforts to design, develop, and evaluate AI models and systems that improve the cybersecurity posture of OT environments, beginning with threat detection and progressing toward more autonomous, agentic capabilities where appropriate
• Leading or collaborating on all phases of the client engagement lifecycle, including identifying client needs, framing and scoping business problems, developing project and sprint plans, building and evaluating AI solutions, and translating insights into actionable recommendations
• Advising clients on both technical and strategic business solutions, identifying new technology-driven opportunities, and helping clients plan scalable, sustainable, and efficient systems
• Supporting business development by proactively building relationships with clients, identifying new project opportunities, and helping craft and execute business and technical solutions, either independently or collaboratively with firm leadership

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline
• Experience developing, evaluating, or deploying machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, or agentic AI systems
• Expertise spanning AI model development, AI assurance, cybersecurity, OT systems, and software development using modern engineering best practices
• Proficiency in at least two of the following: Python, R, C++, Linux, cloud platforms, containerization, MLOps tools, or cybersecurity analysis tools
• Working understanding of common Operational Technologies (OT) architectures, protocols, and constraints, including industrial control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, and safety-critical environments
• Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, scientific, and business concepts for diverse audiences
• Business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of identifying value for clients, framing business plans, and driving business development
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to thrive independently and as a collaborative team member in fast-paced, multidisciplinary settings
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required

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.