I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2+ months. I interviewed at Exponent (Menlo Park, CA) in Apr 2010
Interview
They are eager to hire new or soon-to-be PhDs from top universities. After being contacted by a recruiter, you will speak with an employee in the practice you're interested, and if there is a fit, you will come in for job talk, which can be any relevant research you want to present.
I applied for a position in the LA office and it was filled after my phone call with a current employee. There was a position open in Menlo Park available a month later, and when I made it known I was interested in working in that city, I was called in to interview in person. I waited about three weeks for their offer and accepted over the phone. They paid for moving expenses and I started about one month later.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
As long as you appear competent during the presentation of your own research, you should do fine. I wasn't posed any difficult questions. You will be naturally judged for how well your personality fits in with the other consultants and whether you would be better suited for academia.
Initial interviews were straightforward, had call with hiring manager then video interview with another managing scientist. They asked about my CV, research experience and explained about the company structure. Did not advance after second round.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Can you explain more about (so-and-so resume bullet)?
Screening calls with employees at different levels. Then an all day interview that includes a technical talk. Present on things you did recently/know well enough during your technical talk so you can answer questions asked without saying you can’t answer because that work was 10 years ago. So sufficient research on the connection between your skill set and the work happening at Exponent in your practice of interest.
2 screening calls with folks at different levels in the practice of interest. Then full day interview with more people, mostly from the specific team you’ll be working with and a technical presentation. Biggest thing is to clearly articulate during the presentation how your background and interests fits in with the work going on at Exponent.