Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to benefits information on Life@Exponent

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is seeking a talented Manager for its Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. This role involves addressing complex material challenges and collaborating with teams across diverse industries like energy and medical devices.

Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in Materials Science, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and strong analytical skills. The role requires mentoring junior staff, client engagement, and project management to drive business development and technical investigations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in materials science.
• Experience related to glass or ceramics is a plus.
• Proven business generation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support investigations involving material performance and degradation.
• Build strong client relationships.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports.
• Mentor junior staff and foster teamwork.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Project management experience

Experience with multidisciplinary teams

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

EDS

FTIR

XRD

Electrochemical methods

Job description

Our Opportunity

We are seeking a talented and motivated Manager to join our Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice. This position is open across U.S. office locations.

In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary teams that address complex challenges involving material selection, degradation, failure analysis, and electrochemical performance across a wide range of industries, including energy storage, consumer electronics, medical devices, transportation, and infrastructure. You will support technical investigations and laboratory testing, analyze data, and help deliver high-quality, client-focused solutions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong scientist or engineer who is looking to apply their experience to an exciting career in consulting. As a Manager at Exponent, you will build and maintain strong relationships with clients, support business development efforts, and grow your consulting practice. You will work closely with senior staff and subject matter experts across Exponent’s practices and offices.

You will be responsible for

• Applying expertise in Materials Science to support investigations involving material performance, degradation, and failure across a range of industries
• Building and cultivating strong client relationships
• Contributing to the growth of the consulting business by identifying opportunities through project work, client engagement, and professional development activities
• Coordinating laboratory testing and analysis using techniques such as SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, cyclic voltammetry)
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions to complex technical challenges
• Preparing high-quality technical reports and presentations that clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Supporting project planning and execution
• Participating in occasional travel for client meetings, site inspections, or lab work
• Mentoring junior staff by providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environment

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience post-graduation in the materials science space. Experience related to glass or ceramics will be considered a plus
• Proven track record in securing grants, driving funding initiatives, or delivering solutions that meet client needs. Experience in a role facing outside of your organization (e.g., customer-facing or supply chain coordination) is a plus
• Experience in any of the following: product safety/liability/recalls; construction defect claims; subrogation; failure to perform/equip; or intellectual property
• Experience with managing a small team of 2-5 team members
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw meaningful conclusions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• A collaborative mindset and experience working in multidisciplinary teams
• Project management experience, including coordinating tasks, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution of technical projects
• An entrepreneurial mindset, and proven track record of business generation or attracting new and repeat clients or funding
• A commitment to professional growth

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending). Not restricted to 1 page.

Salary Range

USD $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Job Locations

US-CA-Menlo Park, US-MA-Natick

Job Submission

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 [e-mail].