Cyber Security Engineer/Scientist (Ph.D.)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 27, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 6, 2026.
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 Cyber Security Engineer/Scientist for a Senior Manager role in our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of an established team of cyber and threat mitigation experts and support staff to continue to grow Exponent’s business and client base. Exponent’s current work in this area revolves around helping our clients implement safeguards, systems, and processes to enhance security and mitigate risk from both physical and cyber threats. Current clients include commercial businesses in the Silicon Valley and beyond, Defense agencies, and other Federal agencies responsible for safeguarding national security assets and infrastructure.
You will be responsible for
- Providing cyber security consulting and threat mitigation assessments for clients
- Providing expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Identity management and access control
- Threat mitigation
- Privacy protection and safeguarding, intrusion detection
- Machine learning/deep learning
- Insider threat detection
- Software analyses and reverse engineering
- 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
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in Security
- Proven track record as a successful cyber security consultant and strategic advisor
- Proven record of business generation efforts and securing contracts/funding
- Well-thought out business development plan with target clients/sectors
- Recognized cyber security thought leader/innovator
- Expertise in evaluating and implementing threat mitigation systems and processes
- Extensive network of existing contacts/colleagues preferredStrong practical engineering ability combined with leadership and project management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- 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 U.S. DoD Security Clearance
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].
Life @ Exponent
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponenthttps://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
We value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives 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
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 Manager level and above total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is $195,000 to $260,000 depending on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range
USD $215,000.00 - USD $270,000.00 /Yr.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 [email protected].