Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity 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 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Scientist for our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Menlo Park or Oakland, CA or other U.S. locations. In this role, you will work as part of a team to help clients:Securely and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologiesDevelop and implement assurance practices and frameworks for operational technology (OT) environments, including critical infrastructureDesign, build, and evaluate AI-enabled systems that improve the cybersecurity posture of OT environments You will be responsible for Delivering highly technical AI consulting services to help clients adopt AI solutions securely, responsibly, and effectivelyDeveloping approaches to evaluate, assure, and govern AI systems before deployment, with particular emphasis on cybersecurityEvaluating AI systems for cybersecurity risks, including adversarial manipulation, data poisoning, model extraction, prompt injection, insecure tool use, and unsafe autonomous behaviorApplying cybersecurity and AI risk management frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK, MITRE ATLAS, ISA/IEC 62443, and relevant sector-specific critical infrastructure guidanceLeading efforts to design, develop, and evaluate AI models and systems that improve the cybersecurity posture of OT environments, beginning with threat detection and progressing toward more autonomous, agentic capabilities where appropriateLeading or collaborating on all phases of the client engagement lifecycle, including identifying client needs, framing and scoping business problems, developing project and sprint plans, building and evaluating AI solutions, and translating insights into actionable recommendationsAdvising clients on both technical and strategic business solutions, identifying new technology-driven opportunities, and helping clients plan scalable, sustainable, and efficient systemsSupporting business development by proactively building relationships with clients, identifying new project opportunities, and helping craft and execute business and technical solutions, either independently or collaboratively with firm leadership You will have the following skills and qualifications Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or a related technical disciplineExperience developing, evaluating, or deploying machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, or agentic AI systemsExpertise spanning AI model development, AI assurance, cybersecurity, OT systems, and software development using modern engineering best practicesProficiency in at least two of the following: Python, R, C++, Linux, cloud platforms, containerization, MLOps tools, or cybersecurity analysis toolsWorking understanding of common Operational Technologies (OT) architectures, protocols, and constraints, including industrial control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, and safety-critical environmentsStrong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, scientific, and business concepts for diverse audiencesBusiness acumen and entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of identifying value for clients, framing business plans, and driving business developmentStrong project management and organizational skills; ability to thrive independently and as a collaborative team member in fast-paced, multidisciplinary settingsPresently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing requiredApplicants 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: 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 $154,000.00 /Yr. Benefits you will enjoy Access benefits information on our View email address on click.appcast.io 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. Job Locations US-CA-Menlo ParkUS-CA-Oakland Job SummaryLocation: US-CA-Menlo ParkPractice: Electrical Engineering and Computer SciencePosition Type: Full-timePosted Salary Range: USD $140,000.00 - USD $154,000.00 /Yr.Workplace Type: On-Site