Materials Science Manager with PhD - Consulting Leader

Exponent; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Manager to join our Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice across U.S. offices, including Austin. You will lead multidisciplinary teams addressing material performance, degradation, and reliability for diverse industries such as consumer products and energy storage.

Based on a Ph.D. and 5+ years of consulting experience, you will mentor junior staff, drive project growth, and coordinate laboratory testing (SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, EIS).

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science or a closely related field with a strong foundation in materials science.
• Minimum 5 years of experience consulting in the materials science space. Expertise related to glass or ceramics will be considered a plus
• Proven ability to build and nurture meaningful client relationships that drive project growth and expansion.
• Experience in product safety/liability/recalls; construction defect claims; subrogation; failure to perform/equip; or intellectual property
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret complex data and draw meaningful conclusions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaborative mindset; experience working in multidisciplinary teams; managing a small team of 2-5 team members
• Project management experience, coordinating tasks, timelines, and deliverables

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Client relationships

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

EDS

FTIR

XRD

EIS / Cyclic voltammetry

Job description

Exponent is seeking a Manager to join our Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice across U.S. offices, including Austin. You will lead multidisciplinary teams addressing material performance, degradation, and reliability for diverse industries such as consumer products and energy storage.

Based on a Ph.D. and 5+ years of consulting experience, you will mentor junior staff, drive project growth, and coordinate laboratory testing (SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, EIS).