Forensic Systems Engineer/Scientist – Aerospace, Defense & Telecom (Ph.D.)

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 Forensic Systems Engineer/Scientist - Aerospace, Defense & Telecom for our Computer, Data & Security Sciences Practice in New York, NY.

In this role, you will work as part of a team, engaging in both software and hardware analysis of various systems and products, with the aim of providing scientific and engineering insight for a diverse range of challenges faced by clients in a multitude of business areas including commercial, government, military technology, legal services, and electric utilities. You will conduct investigative analyses such as software code reviews, product teardowns, reverse engineering, safety assessments, system design reviews, modeling and simulation, and failure mode and fault tree analysis. You will be expected to demonstrate continued professional growth, both in technical areas relevant to your expertise, and in business skills essential to providing effective consulting services.

In this role, you will work as part of a team to provide technical analysis involving complex systems and critical infrastructure. The role requires assessments supporting operational disputes (root-cause failure analysis, project management delays, standard of care, etc.) and intellectual property disputes (patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, etc.) across advanced technology sectors, including telecommunications networks, aerospace/satellite systems, naval/maritime vessels, and power generation utilities.

You will be responsible for

• Performing technical analyses (e.g., laboratory and/or field investigations, numerical analysis, modeling and simulation, test design, etc.) related to ongoing Exponent work
• Analyzing source code, embedded software, and hardware schematics
• Evaluating design, implementation, and maintenance of systems in comparison to industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Analyzing project lifecycles, engineering design changes, and systemic project management failures in complex engineering, procurement, and construction contracts
• Evaluating project execution records across both traditional Waterfall and Agile/Scrum frameworks to pinpoint delays, scope creep, and systemic failures in delivery of complex systems and critical infrastructure
• Investigating the design of various technologies through software code reviews, reverse engineering, and product teardowns
• Presenting technical results and solutions to a diverse audience through verbal, written, and interactive communication
• Preparing technical proposals to capture new business, including proposals for the Department of Defense
• Pursuing business development opportunities and contributing to growth of the practice through your technical expertise and professional network

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field
• Experience in aerospace, defense, telecommunication, or power industries
• Knowledge of software, hardware, and systems development life cycles, including Waterfall, Agile/Scrum, and Hybrid engineering formats
• Familiarity with requirements traceability, verification, and validation
• An understanding of investigative analysis for troubleshooting technical issues and solving technical challenges
• Experience with finite element analysis, numerical analysis, modeling, and/or simulation of devices, systems, and/or networks
• Experience with at least one common programming language such as Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, or similar
• Technical hands-on laboratory experience in the areas of electronics, power systems, robotics, controls, ML/AI, semiconductors, renewable energy, or related fields
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to gather information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, and related industry
• 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
• Experience with government projects, proposals, and contracts a plus
• This position may require occasional travel
• 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

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].

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

Salary Range

Benefits you will enjoy

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].

Job Locations