Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is seeking a Manager for its Materials Science & Electrochemistry team in Phoenix, AZ. In this leadership role, you'll tackle complex challenges in battery failure analysis and performance studies. You'll engage with clients, support business development, and grow your consulting practice while mentoring junior staff.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field, possess significant experience in battery R&D, and demonstrate strong leadership and analytical skills. This position offers opportunities for collaboration and career advancement in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of post-graduate experience in materials science.
• Hands-on experience with battery R&D, particularly electrochemistry.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in Materials Science for battery failure analysis.
• Design and coordinate experiments and prepare technical reports.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure successful project outcomes.

Skills

Electrochemical methods

Materials characterization

Battery R&D experience

Data analysis

Client engagement

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

CT scanning

SEM

Job description

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 team in Phoenix, AZ. In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary teams that address complex challenges in battery failure analysis, safety hazard assessments, and electrochemical performance studies across a wide range of industries, including energy storage, transportation, consumer electronics, and medical devices. 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, lead small teams, 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 battery failure analysis, safety assessments and performance evaluations across industries while leveraging experience in battery R&D to solve real‑world electrochemistry and materials challenges.
• Designing and coordinating experiments, interpreting data, preparing high‑quality technical reports and presenting findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Coordinating laboratory testing and analysis using techniques such as battery pack teardowns, CT scanning, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and electrochemical methods.
• Supporting project planning and execution to ensure timely and successful outcomes, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scientifically rigorous solutions, and mentoring junior staff by providing guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Participating in occasional travel for client meetings, site inspections, or lab work.

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑graduate experience in materials science; hands‑on experience with battery research and development (including electrochemistry and lithium‑ion or other battery technologies) is highly desirable.
• Specialized knowledge of electrochemistry, battery chemistry, cell design, assembly, and characterization; experience in failure analysis preferred.
• Demonstrated strong drive and commitment to professional work product and growth.
• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques such as CT scanning, SEM, and electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, cyclic voltammetry), with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to interpret complex data.
• Experience managing small teams and coordinating technical projects, timelines, and deliverables.
• Proven track record in business development, client engagement, or securing funding/grants.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences, including engineering, business, and legal stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to attract new and repeat clients or funding.

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].

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 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.

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-AZ-Phoenix