Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.) Exponent 401(k) United States, California, Menlo Park 149 Commonwealth Drive (Show on map) Aug 20, 2026 Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D.)

ID 2026-2514

Location US-CA-Menlo Park Practice Mechanical Engineering Position Type Full-time Posted Salary Range USD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr. Workplace Type On-Site 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 Mechanical Engineer for our Mechanical Engineering Practice in our Menlo Park, CA office. In this role, you will work as a part of multiple teams consulting on a wide variety of mechanical engineering issues including solid mechanics and mechanical design. This particular position will have a focus on machine design and manufacturing. You will be expected to grow in the key aspects of consulting, including technical expertise and effective spoken and written communications, to develop a consulting practice serving clients both within and outside the firm. You will be responsible for Communicating effectively with other engineers and technicians, managers, clients, and administrative reports Conducting hands-on failure analysis Planning and executing laboratory tests Performing calculations and analysis Performing field inspections Assisting the other engineering practice groups within Exponent on as-needed basis, and support senior staff in project development and marketing You will have the following skills and qualifications Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent with focused thesis, coursework, and teaching experience in solid mechanics and machine design, utilizing both experimental methods and computational analysis Strong mechanical and strength of materials intuition Demonstrated hands-on fabrication and laboratory skills Experience working in a manufacturing setting is a plus Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute Potential for technical and project managerial leadership Ability to convey technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries 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 $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /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 HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. Job Locations US-CA-Menlo Park