Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator (Ph.D.)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 29, 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.
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
Our Opportunity
We are currently seeking a security-focusedEmbedded 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 or adversarial exposures such as repeated bending, UV sunlight, chemicals, X-rays, radio-frequency interrogation, side channel analyses, fault-injection 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.
You will be responsible for
- Performing electrical and digital lab tests
- Creating clear and concise reports and visualizations for clients
- Managing technical expectations of stakeholders
- Developing your cybersecurity expertise through certification programs
- Communicating technical information to diverse audiences, including preparation of technical reports and presentations
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong hands-on engineering, lab, instrumentation, and research abilities
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
- Experience with, or an interest in, two or more of the following areas:
- Hardware security
- Network communications and security
- Practical or theoretical cryptography
- SecOps, threat detection/incident response
- Blue teaming/red teaming
- Experience with at least one common programming language such as Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, Swift, or similar
- Ability to learn new computer languages and tools as needed
- 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
- Ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences, including preparation of technical reports and presentations
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-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
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 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.
Salary Range
USD $140,000.00 - USD $154,000.00 /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].