Experimental Scientist, Security Testing (M.S. or Ph.D.)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 10, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 10, 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 seeking an Experimental Scientist, Security Testing for our Computer, Data & Security Sciences Practice in Menlo Park, CA. You will perform hands-on laboratory testing of electronic and security technologies and build the software and controls, and apply the data analysis, statistics, and error analysis, that turn careful measurements into reliable results. You will partner with scientific and engineering experts to deliver rigorous, well-documented work for defense and government clients, with real-world, immediate national security impact.
You will be responsible for
- Performing hands-on laboratory testing of electronic devices and security technologies using instruments such as oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and RF equipment
- Developing software in Python, LabVIEW, and other tools to automate tests, control instruments and hardware, acquire data, and build repeatable analysis pipelines
- Supporting engineering projects as needed with prototyping custom fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition setups, systems integration, controls, thermal analysis, and mechanical design
- Analyzing results with statistical methods and error analysis, visualizing and documenting them in clear, traceable technical reports, troubleshooting equipment, test setups, and data to root cause, and communicating findings to colleagues and clients
- Building the practice by staying current in laboratory testing, security, and data practices, supporting marketing of its capabilities, and educating fellow consultants
- Handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and being responsive to client needs and timelines
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. OR Masters plus 3+ years’ experience in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related experimental science or engineering field
- Required to be a U.S. citizen and to have or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance
- Required to work on-site in our Menlo Park, CA laboratory
- Required to have proficiency with Python and scientific and data analysis libraries (e.g., NumPy, pandas, SciPy) for instrument control, test automation, and data analysis; LabVIEW or similar data acquisition experience strongly preferred
- Required to have a strong foundation in data analysis, statistics, and error and uncertainty analysis, including experimental design, data visualization, and drawing sound conclusions from noisy or imperfect data
- Required to have hands-on experimental laboratory experience building apparatus, operating instrumentation, and troubleshooting equipment, and to be detail-oriented and comfortable with precise, repetitive test procedures and meticulous record-keeping
- Preferred to have a broad understanding of physical systems, such as electronics, thermal and mechanical systems, or controls, and experience with mechanical design or CAD, or with integrating complex experimental systems
- Preferred to have exposure to embedded systems, cybersecurity, or applied cryptography, and to data tools such as SQL, machine learning, or cloud platforms
- Required to be a strong written and verbal communicator, including writing clear technical reports
- Above all, a willingness to learn new technologies and ideas beyond your area of expertise while working with a diverse set of clients and government agencies
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].