Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Exponent; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent seeks a Manager in Materials Science & Electrochemistry to lead multidisciplinary investigations across energy storage, electronics, medical devices, and infrastructure. You will guide material performance analyses, client engagements, and business development, while mentoring a small team.

The role emphasizes collaboration with senior experts, generating high-impact technical reports, and coordinating laboratory testing (SEM/EDS/FTIR/XRD). Travel to client sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-graduation experience in materials science; glass/ceramics knowledge a plus.
• Proven grants/funding or client-driven solutions experience.
• Customer-facing or external coordination experience a plus.
• Experience managing 2–5 person teams.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary team experience.
• Project management across technical projects.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with business development proven.

Responsibilities

• Apply materials science expertise to investigations involving material performance, degradation, and failure.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Identify opportunities through project work and client engagement for business growth.
• Coordinate laboratory testing and analyses (SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, electrochemistry).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver rigorous solutions.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Support project planning and execution.
• Occasional travel for client meetings, site inspections, or lab work.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Business development

Client relations

Laboratory testing coordination

Team leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

EDS

FTIR

XRD

Electrochemical methods

Job description

Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Job ID: 2025-2259

Location: US-CA-Menlo Park

Practice: Materials Science and Electrochemistry

Position Type: Full-time

Posted Salary Range: USD $165,000.00 - USD $195,000.00 /Yr.

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.

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our 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 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 materials 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. Expertise 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 (i.e. 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

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.

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 Manager level and above total compensation includes base salary, 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 $165,000.00 - USD $195,000.00 /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 [e-mail].

Job Locations

• US-CA-Menlo Park
• US-MA-Natick