Chemist​/Polymer Scientist; Ph.D

Position: Chemist/Polymer Scientist (Ph.D.)
Job Details

Location:

Menlo Park, CA. Position type:
Full‑time. Salary: USD $124,800 – $161,200 per year.

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with depth and breadth of expertise to solve clients 'most unique and urgent challenges.

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. For over five decades, we have connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow’s solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure safety and health, and address sustainability challenges.

Key Statistics

• 950+ Consultants

• 640+ Ph.D.s

• 90+ Disciplines

• 30+ Offices globally

Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Chemist/Polymer Scientist for our Polymers and Chemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team contributing to a diverse set of projects from industries such as pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, construction, infrastructure, and automotive. This position requires some travel and will involve collaborating with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices.

A long‑term goal is to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, and analyze various polymeric materials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries.

• Perform root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing, or end‑use environment of products specified for use in construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and pharmaceutical industries.

• Analyze information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicate testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.

• Well‑developed understanding of small molecule, polymer, and materials characterization.

• Knowledge of polymer bulk physical properties, and/or polymer processing preferred.

• Strong background and hands‑on experience in polymer/chemical characterization techniques such as FTIR, GC‑MS, LC‑MS, GPC, NMR, ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, DSC, TGA, and DMA.

• Knowledge of medical device testing and manufacturing standards such as ISO 10993, ISO 13485, ISO 14971.

• Experience with design, assembly, and execution of novel or non‑standard testing.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to convey complex technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries.

• Strong desire to contribute to project teams with potential for technical and project managerial leadership.

• Strong educational and publication credentials.

• This is a Menlo Park, CA based position. Successful applicant must live in or be willing to relocate to the Menlo Park, CA area and be enthusiastic about regularly working in the office.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the US; no immigration sponsorship or visa processing required.

Application Process

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

Life at Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, visit  and

Exponent attracts, inspires, develops, and rewards exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Our culture values health and well‑being and offers competitive benefits and recognition programs.

Work Environment

In‑person interactions deepen employee engagement. Consultants engage in‑person in the office unless traveling for client work or other business activities. Work/life balance is critical to our employees and we empower balanced schedules.

Compensation and Benefits

Consultants are rewarded for technical and business contributions. Base salary ranges from USD $124,800 to $161,200 per year, plus bonuses and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, email HR‑.

Job Location s

US‑CA‑Menlo Park

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