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Machine Learning User Research Scientist (Ph.D. required)

Reads like a ML Engineer role: putting models into production.

Pay
USD 117,500–127,500/year — pay source
Salary Range USD $117,500.00 - USD $127,500.00 /Yr. Benefits you will enjoy Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Read the full posting
Work setting
Not stated
Employment
Full-time — employment source
Employment type in the employer’s posting: FULL_TIME
From the employer’s posting

Before you apply

Work authorization
Must already have the right to work in the USPresently legally authorized to work in the United States

What you’ll work on

Full posting
  • Build custom datasets for machine learning, from protocol design to data analysis

  • Provide operational support for prototype hardware and software, including troubleshooting

  • Lead ad hoc interdisciplinary teams across data, human factors, health, and engineering

  • Develop data analysis and visualization tools for project and human-centered data

  • Develop and maintain client relationships

From the employer’s posting
Supporting a range of consulting activities related to large-scale local and global programs to build custom datasets for machine learning algorithms including protocol development, data collection, data management, and analysis
Providing operational support for prototype hardware and software systems including system validation and troubleshooting
Creating and leading ad hoc interdisciplinary teams comprised of consultants from Data Sciences, Human Factors, Health Sciences, and Engineering Sciences
Developing data analysis and visualization tools related to project management, demographics, and human-centered data
Developing and maintaining client relationships
Education & alternatives
- 950+ Consultants - 640+ Ph.D.s - 90+ Disciplines
Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Ph.D. level Machine Learning User Research Scientist for our User Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to plan and execute global data collection efforts, utilize and improve next-generation products, and optimize internal and external programs to support clients in the consumer electronic industry. You will be responsible for
You will have the following skills and qualifications - Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physiology, Human Factors, or a related engineering/scientific field (such as Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Applied Physics, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Robotics) - Ability to take an ambiguous question, use data to draw insights, and convey the results to a wide range of audiences

About Exponent

Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning.

In the employer’s words · Read in context

Apply at Exponent

Posting record

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Open 6 monthsWe first saw this posting 182 days ago and it is still up. Roles open this long are often slow to fill or kept open to collect applications.

Status in our records
Live
First seen by us
May 6, 2026182 days ago
Recorded sightings
248
Last seen by us
Nov 4, 2026

These dates show when we found the posting. Check the employer’s website to confirm it is still accepting applications.

How this job compares

Pay

Lower than most similar jobs

$118K–$128K against $166K–$240K, the middle half of what similar US postings state.

From 1,279 postings in the last year. Stated ranges, not salaries paid.

Time since we first saw it

Day 182

Up longer than most. Similar jobs usually come down between day 6 and day 69.

From 4,362 similar postings that came down. Coming down is not always a hire.

Exponent is hiring

2 open jobs

  • Takes jobs down at a usual pace
Hiring record

See how this role fits your experience

Add your resume and we’ll mark which of these tools you already use, and point out anything in the posting that could rule you out.

  • Java
  • MATLAB
  • Python
Where the posting names them
- Designing and executing user research studies with human subjects, using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to produce strategic and actionable insights that inform design and development - Experience in programming or scripting languages like Python, Shell, Java, Perl, MATLAB - Experience in instrumentation, data acquisition, and /or data processing

Your next step

Complete your application on careers-exponent.icims.com. The employer’s form will show what is required.

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Already applied? Track this application

Has Exponent posted this job before?

Yes. We’ve followed one other Machine Learning User Research Scientist (Ph.D. required) job there since June 2026. It is still up.

  1. This jobUp 182 days so far, first seen May 6
  2. TampaStill up after 138 days, first seen Jun 20

About the role

We file this job under ML Engineer, by the work the posting describes.

ML engineers put machine learning models into products. They write the code that trains, ships, serves and monitors models so a recommendation or prediction works for real users.

Postings ask for strong Python and software engineering, a framework such as PyTorch, cloud services, and more and more often experience with large language models.

A data scientist often works out which model to build; an ML engineer makes it run reliably in production.

US government figures for computer and information research scientists

Median yearly pay, May 2025
$140,300
Expected change, 2025 to 2035
21.8% more jobsagainst 3.5% for all jobs

The government has no code for ML engineers, so these figures are for the closest group, computer and information research scientists.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and Employment Projections (2025 to 2035). Occupation code 15-1221.

Job description

View original posting ↗

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 a Ph.D. level Machine Learning User Research Scientist for our User Sciences Practice in Los Angeles, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to plan and execute global data collection efforts, utilize and improve next-generation products, and optimize internal and external programs to support clients in the consumer electronic industry.

You will be responsible for

  • Supporting a range of consulting activities related to large-scale local and global programs to build custom datasets for machine learning algorithms including protocol development, data collection, data management, and analysis
  • Providing operational support for prototype hardware and software systems including system validation and troubleshooting
  • Actively solving technical and logistical problems in a fast-paced environment
  • Creating and leading ad hoc interdisciplinary teams comprised of consultants from Data Sciences, Human Factors, Health Sciences, and Engineering Sciences
  • Developing data analysis and visualization tools related to project management, demographics, and human-centered data
  • Developing and maintaining client relationships

You will have the following skills and qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physiology, Human Factors, or a related engineering/scientific field (such as Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Applied Physics, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Robotics)
  • Ability to take an ambiguous question, use data to draw insights, and convey the results to a wide range of audiences
  • Demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
    • Advanced sensing technology
    • Networking data analysis and visualization
    • Designing and executing user research studies with human subjects, using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to produce strategic and actionable insights that inform design and development
    • Experience in programming or scripting languages like Python, Shell, Java, Perl, MATLAB
    • Experience in instrumentation, data acquisition, and /or data processing
    • Operations optimization
    • Machine learning data set design or optimization
    • Dynamic system modeling and control
  • Experience with human subjects research or direct collection of large experimental data sets to support the development of machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithms
  • The desire to work with a diverse set of clients and engage in work outside of the traditional data science field
  • Strong practical engineering ability combined with leadership and project management skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to travel to a variety of global locations to support project work (up to 40% travel)
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required 

 

 

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 $117,500.00 - USD $127,500.00 /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 HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 

 

 

 

Job Locations

US-CA-Los Angeles
Source details

View original posting ↗

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Selected passages from the saved posting. Check the full description for conditions and exceptions.

Pay
Salary Range USD $117,500.00 - USD $127,500.00 /Yr. Benefits you will enjoy Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Location & working pattern

Los Angeles, CA

Working pattern and location restrictions need checking in the full posting.

Work authorization
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:
More source context
- Ability to travel to a variety of global locations to support project work (up to 40% travel) - Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required 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].

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