Machine Learning User Research Scientist (Ph.D. required)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 1, 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 Ph.D. level Machine Learning User Research Scientist for our Data Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to plan and execute global data collection efforts, utilize and improve next-generation products, and optimize internal and external programs to support clients in the consumer electronic industry.
You will be responsible for
- Supporting a range of consulting activities related to large-scale local and global programs to build custom datasets for machine learning algorithms including protocol development, data collection, data management, and analysis
- Providing operational support for prototype hardware and software systems including system validation and troubleshooting
- Actively solving technical and logistical problems in a fast-paced environment
- Creating and leading ad hoc interdisciplinary teams comprised of consultants from Data Sciences, Human Factors, Health Sciences, and Engineering Sciences
- Developing data analysis and visualization tools related to project management, demographics, and human-centered data
- Developing and maintaining client relationships
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physiology, Human Factors, or a related engineering/scientific field (such as Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Applied Physics, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Robotics)
- Ability to take an ambiguous question, use data to draw insights, and convey the results to a wide range of audiences
- Demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Advanced sensing technology
- Networking data analysis and visualization
- Designing and executing user research studies with human subjects, using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to produce strategic and actionable insights that inform design and development
- Experience in programming or scripting languages like Python, Shell, Java, Perl, MATLAB
- Experience in instrumentation, data acquisition, and /or data processing
- Operations optimization
- Machine learning data set design or optimization
- Dynamic system modeling and control
- Experience with human subjects research or direct collection of large experimental data sets to support the development of machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithms
- The desire to work with a diverse set of clients and engage in work outside of the traditional data science field
- Strong practical engineering ability combined with leadership and project management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to travel to a variety of global locations to support project work (up to 40% travel)
- 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].
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 $130,000.00 - USD $140,000.00 /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].