Applied Data Scientist – AI & Analytics Focus (M.S. or 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 seeking an Applied Data Scientist - AI & Analytics Focus to join our Data Sciences Practice in Irvine, CA, Los Angeles, CA, or Menlo Park, CA.

 

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of data engineering, analytics, and hands-on problem solving, and who is passionate about working with real-world, experimental data. You will contribute to impactful projects across sectors including healthcare, government contracting, and other high-impact engineering domains, helping to design and implement data-driven solutions that support operational and analytical objectives.

 

This position offers the opportunity to work on AI and ML-enabled systems, while also supporting the development of robust data infrastructure and analytics pipelines. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, analysts, and domain experts to solve complex, applied problems.

You will be responsible for

• Design and implement scalable data pipelines and analytical workflows across diverse domains.
• Work with experimental and observational data, including sensor data, clinical records, and operational logs
• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques using input from engineering domain experts and information technology specialists
• Support data integration and transformation efforts across complex data ecosystems with a strong emphasis on error estimation and uncertainty quantification
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define data requirements and produce deliverables for projects
• Ensure data security and compliance with federal and industry standards

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics or a related engineering/scientific field OR M.S. plus 3+ years of industry experience in data science, applied machine learning, or data engineering after finishing the M.S. degree. Do note that recent M.S. graduates do not meet this requirement
• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn)
• Experience with real-world data collection, cleaning, and analysis, including handling missing data, measurement error, and sensor calibration
• Familiarity with SQL databases, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), and version control systems
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) is a plus
• Strong practical engineering skills and ability to build robust, maintainable systems
• Experience working with sensitive or regulated data (e.g., healthcare, government) is desirable
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Our contracts with the United States Government for this position require proof of U.S. citizenship and the possession of or ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance

 

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 $133,000.00 - USD $145,000.00 /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 [email protected]. 

 

Job Locations

US-CA-Irvine US-CA-Los Angeles US-CA-Menlo Park