Optical Engineer​/Scientist; Ph.D

Position: Optical Engineer/Scientist (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 an Optical Engineer/Scientist for our Electrical Engineering 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.

You will be responsible for

Performing electrical engineering analyses and optical and electronics testing related to ongoing Exponent work Interacting with clients to relay technical results as well as business development

Preparing technical proposals, pursuing business developments, and supervising and managing laboratory testing

Critically assessing test results, methods of analysis and testing protocols

Generating new testing protocols based on new product designs

Maintaining a systematic approach to data collection and storage, and report writing

Promoting your skill set both internally and externally to engage in a wide array of technical projects

Researching and developing novel methodologies to answer cutting-edge scientific- and engineering-based problems

You will have the following skills and qualifications

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 helping clients with their technical needs

The 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].

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our…