Vehicle Mechanical Engineer

Exponent is a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm that brings together more than 90 different disciplines to solve the most pressing and complicated challenges facing stakeholders today.  Our vision is to engage the brightest scientists and engineers to empower clients with solutions for a safe, healthy, sustainable and technologically complex world.  We leverage over 50 years of experience in analyzing accidents and failures to advise clients as they innovate their technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability. 

We offer opportunities for you to expand your engineering or scientific knowledge amidst experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities.  At Exponent, you will apply your experience, technical skills, and prior academic research to a fulfilling career in consulting.  You will have the opportunity to develop continuously through formal and informal development programs, coaching and mentoring, and involvement in a wide array of projects.  We are excited about your interest in joining our growing team!

Key statistics:

• 1100 Team members
• 900 Consultants
• 550 Ph.D.s
• 30 Offices globally 

We are currently seeking a Vehicle Mechanical Engineer for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Warrenville, IL with a fundamental interest in the automotive field. In this role, you will be an integral part of our accident reconstruction team providing consulting services to a wide range of clients, consisting of attorneys, insurance and trucking companies, and government agencies. Clients look to us to assist in answering questions regarding motor vehicle collisions, including determining vehicle speeds, crash severity, and vehicle/system performance.

You will be working in a fast-paced environment and be directly involved in the investigation, analysis, and reconstruction of both passenger and commercial vehicle on- and off-road collisions and rollover accidents. In this role, your working environment will combine hands-on field work with conducting analyses in the office environment. As part of the fieldwork, local and regional travel will be required. Field activities involve documenting vehicles and accident locations through a variety of techniques including drone technology, 3D scanning, and photogrammetry. Additionally, collision-related data from vehicle event data recorders will be collected and preserved. Professional development opportunities include full-scale vehicle testing relating to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and vehicle crash performance.

Candidates should combine technical and hands-on aptitudes with high attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and be motivated to grow professionally. As you develop your skillset and advance in your career, you will have opportunities to develop a consulting practice within the firm.

You will be responsible for:

• Conducting site, vehicle, and rapid response inspections
• Documentation utilizing drones and 3D laser scanners
• Utilizing CAD, photogrammetry, collision simulation, vehicle event data recorder, and laser scanner software
• Preparing written technical reports and presenting results of an analysis to a diverse audience
• Planning, communicating, conducting engineering analyses, and executing project-related tasks
• Simultaneously managing numerous projects with varying deadlines while ensuring exceptional work-product is produced
• Participation in full-scale vehicle testing and research programs 
• Developing specialized expertise in the automotive field such as analysis and reconstruction of transportation accidents, or in the design and performance of existing or emerging automotive technology

You will have the following skills and qualifications:

• M.S. (or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• Knowledge or interest in vehicles, crashworthiness, and automotive systems
• Strong hands-on abilities with field and/or lab experience
• Must have a solid fundamental understanding of engineering principles, dynamics, and mechanical design, with proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience using CAD software and general knowledge of computer simulation software
• General knowledge and understanding of vehicle computer networks (CAN bus) is a plus
• Ability to synthesize technical information and present conclusions to a diverse team
• Strong technical writing skills with the capability to clearly convey technical information in a concise yet thorough manner
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal staff and clients
• Proven dedication to quality and accuracy with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to lead and/or support multiple diverse projects simultaneously
• Versatile, team-oriented leader, willing to work overtime and travel when required, sometimes on short notice
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or the willingness to become licensed
• Willingness to obtain a FAA Part 107 certification (drone pilot license)
• Experience conducting research and publishing technical information is a plus

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].  

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

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.

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.