Embedded Systems Engineer​/Evaluator; Ph.D

Position: Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator (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.  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 asecurity-focused Embedded Systems Engineer/Evaluator for our Computer, Data & Security Sciences 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…