Optical Engineer​/Scientist; Ph.D

Optical Engineer/Scientist (Ph.D.)

Location:

Menlo Park, CA
Salary (Base): USD $ - USD $ /Yr.

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 drive 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!

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

We are currently seeking an Optical Engineer/Scientist for our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to help our clients solve challenging technical problems which are often urgent, high profile, and multi-disciplinary. You will be involved in a variety of projects with applications such as laser hazard analysis and electrical failure analysis.

You will have the opportunity to define and shape your individual consulting practice based on your skills and interests.

• Perform electrical engineering analyses and optical and electronics testing related to ongoing Exponent work
• Interact with clients to relay technical results as well as business development
• Prepare technical proposals, pursue business developments, and supervise and manage laboratory testing
• Critically assess test results, methods of analysis and testing protocols
• Generate new testing protocols based on new product designs
• Maintain a systematic approach to data collection and storage, and report writing
• Promote your skill set both internally and externally to engage in a wide array of technical projects
• Research and develop novel methodologies to answer cutting-edge scientific- and engineering-based problems

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Technical background in the following disciplines (Experience in optics AND electronics strongly desired):
  • Optics, lasers, or LEDs
  • Electronics, controls or circuit design
• Experience building bench‑top or product‑level optical systems
• 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
• Ability to support multiple group projects and market the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice and its consulting services
• Strong desire to help clients with their technical needs
• Desire to engage in professional development opportunities such as becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer (if applicable), obtaining relevant certifications, contributing to conferences or publications, etc.

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].

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit  and

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…