Senior Managing Engineer - Vehicle Engineering (MS/PhD)
$181k - $211kExponent
2026-2394 Location US-CA-Los Angeles Practice
Vehicle Engineering Position Type
Full-time Posted Salary Range
USD $181,000.00 - USD $211,000.00 /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
We are currently seeking a Senior Managing Engineer for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Los Angeles, CA or Irvine, CA. In this role, you will lead a team to analyze incidents involving passenger and commercial vehicles, mobile construction and mining machines, and other industrial equipment. Your technical and analytical skills, practical hands-on experience, and proven communication skills will provide Exponent's clients with the detailed and nuanced solutions they need for their most challenging problems. We are looking for experienced consultants to lead and further expand our automotive engineering and accident reconstruction practice in California and elsewhere in the US.
You will be responsible for- Managing projects from initiation to completion to include:
- Providing broad technical support for, and performing, field investigations and analyses
- Communicating project updates both internally and externally
- Ensuring that Exponent meets its deadlines and produces exceptional work product
- Identifying and developing business opportunities
- Identifying and performing original research that furthers knowledge in the fields of vehicle safety, technology and accident reconstruction and analysis
- Promoting specialized expertise in the on- and off-road vehicle and mobile equipment field such as product safety, design, and performance, or analysis and reconstruction of accidents
- Traveling to and performing site and equipment inspections
- Preparing detailed written reports and presentations for diverse audiences
- Supporting and providing expert testimony related to consulting projects
- Growing our automotive engineering and accident reconstruction business with a particular focus on identifying, expanding and managing client relationships
- Identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities and promoting Exponent's service offerings
- M.S., M.Eng, or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering
- 10+ years of full-time work experience in relevant technical fields
- Holds a Professional Engineering (P.E.) License or the requisite background to obtain a P.E.
- Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
- Experience testifying in deposition and/or trial as an expert in mechanical engineering, safety engineering, accident reconstruction, failure analysis, or related areas
- Proven business development and client management track record, and the ability to attract projects to support full-time staff
- Desire to manage and develop a team of skilled and high-performing individuals
- Extensive analytical and problem-solving skills
- Deep and fundamental knowledge of dynamics and mechanics
- Experience using software to model and analyze technical problems
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated superior written communication skills (e.g., thesis or publications)
- Dedication to quality work product and attention to detail
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:
We value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives 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 EnvironmentAt 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
CompensationOur 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 Manager level and above, total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is depending on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range USD $181,000.00 - USD $211,000.00 /Yr. Benefits you will enjoy Access benefits information on our Life @ Exponent page:
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 View email address on click.appcast.io.
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