January 6, 2026
Cybersecurity expert joins Exponent's Electrical Engineering & Computer Science practice in Seattle
Exponent is pleased to welcome cybersecurity innovator Michael Maass, Ph.D., as a senior manager in our Seattle office. Dr. Maass has more than 20 years of cybersecurity experience, including reinforcing the security of safety-critical, AI-driven systems, with the past 10 years spent specializing in product cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. He has a distinguished track record of engaging in cross-functional collaboration to enhance cybersecurity culture and compliance, bridging the gap between complex technical architecture and executive business strategy.
Dr. Maass holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in software engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.S. in electrical engineering from Washington State University. He brings a wide range of experience in both computer science and leadership, encompassing software development in x86 assembly, C/C++, Java, and other languages as well as expertise in managing people and communicating with regulators, auditors, and other critical internal and external stakeholders.
Throughout his career, Dr. Maass has implemented mission-critical security mechanisms — including secure identity, key management, secure communications, and secure flashing — across a variety of electronic control units (ECUs) such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR), cameras, and high-performance computers. He is also a primary contributor to influential industry publications such as Safety First for Automated Driving, creating the basis for ISO/TR 4804:2020.
Before joining Exponent, he was a senior director and principal cybersecurity systems engineer, leading initiatives to secure self-driving freight trucks and developing AVCDL (A Versatile Cybersecurity Development Lifecycle), a cybersecurity lifecycle for building secure safety-critical systems. He has also led efforts for compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 and UN R155 and previously founded a cybersecurity team and contributed to a significant automated driving joint venture with Aptiv and Hyundai.
"I am honored to join this team of cybersecurity pioneers at Exponent to share my passion for analyzing and developing secure, safety critical cyber-physical systems. I've spent my career using and inventing cutting-edge practices to fulfill security and regulatory needs. I am excited to bring this experience to a diverse array of projects."
— Michael Maass, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Whether investigating root causes of material failures or helping products meet modern safety and performance requirements, Exponent delivers rigorous scientific and engineering analysis. Strengthened by deep expertise in cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and complex autonomous systems, Exponent's multidisciplinary teams span embedded systems, software, power and energy, and product development — enabling clients to secure critical infrastructure, validate product safety, and protect innovations from emerging cyber threats.
