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Vehicle Mechanical Engineer, Phoenix, AZ


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 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 Mechanical Engineer at the Associate/Senior Associate level with a fundamental interest and knowledge base in specialty vehicle development for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in our Phoenix, AZ Test and Engineering Center. In this role you will be responsible for supporting reactive product liability matters that involve design, development, analysis, and testing of specialty vehicles such as recreational vehicles (including Class A, Class B, Class C, fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers and truck campers), as well as ambulances, terminal trucks, buses and street sweepers and potentially other heavy vehicles built in one or more stages. Proactive work will involve assisting manufacturers in executing their design and vehicle launch process. 

We are looking for someone who is hands-on with the ability to support fieldwork, and testing, as well as motivated to advance professionally and ultimately develop and grow their consulting practice within Exponent. A portion of the work in this role will involve occasional travel to support vehicle inspections and on-site manufacturer support in the proactive work. There are also opportunities to get involved with data acquisition and testing at the Test and Engineering Center in support of Exponent initiatives.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Conducting vehicle inspections to identify root cause
  • Vehicle compliance support for on-highway vehicles
  • Work with industry contacts to develop a Society of Automotive Engineers paper or publication in the Recreational Vehicle Sector
  • Requirements, specifications, trade studies and failure mode effects and analysis
  • Design of specialized test and evaluation equipment
  • Preparing written technical reports and presenting findings to diverse audiences
  • Assist in the execution of test programs at the Exponent Test and Engineering Center

You will have the following background and qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or a M.S. and 2 years of experience)
  • P.E. license or the willingness to obtain a P.E. license
  • One or more of:
  • Advanced knowledge of dynamics and mechanical design
  • Advanced knowledge of actuation systems (electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic)
  • Experience with conventional and CNC manufacturing processes
  • Experience with 3D printing processes
  • Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition tools
  • Attention to detail and dedication to quality and accuracy
  • Experience with CAD software and analytical and simulation tools desired (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Clear written communication and technical writing skills
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present technical information
  • Industry or maufacturing experience is a plus

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.

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 call us at +1 (650) 688-6968 or email hr@exponent.com.