Materials Science Manager (PhD) — Lead Client Projects

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

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.