Materials Scientist​/Engineer; Ph.D

Position: Materials Scientist/Engineer (Ph.D.)
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.

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower 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 currently seeking a Materials Scientist/Engineer to join our Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team conducting scientific and engineering analyses to support Exponent's clients across a range of industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices, and utility infrastructure. Projects span failure analysis and root cause investigations, regulatory compliance support, product evaluations, and data-driven engineering assessments.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to both laboratory-based and field-based investigations, as well as computational analysis. At Exponent, collaboration across disciplines is central to how we work. You will regularly interface with colleagues across various technical fields and are expected to actively build those internal relationships and seek out opportunities to contribute broadly across the practice and the firm.

You will be responsible for

* Materials characterization, failure analysis, and root cause investigations using techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, XPS, ARM, and mechanical testing methods, such as tensile testing, hardness testing, microindentation, and nanoindentation

* Supporting field inspections and field-based analytical testing, including use of portable and handheld instrumentation

* Designing and executing laboratory and field experiments, developing test protocols, and translating observations into actionable findings

* Applying computational and data analysis tools (R, Python, and/or MATLAB) to process, analyze, and synthesize complex engineering and materials datasets

* Preparing and presenting technical reports, data summaries, and client-ready deliverables that communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

* Proactively identifying opportunities to contribute to projects across Exponent's practice areas and building relationships with colleagues firmwide

You will have the following skills and qualifications

* Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with significant Materials Science coursework and research experience

* Hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, optical microscopy, mechanical testing) and the ability to integrate results across multiple methods to develop robust, defensible conclusions

* Working knowledge of mechanics and mechanical behavior of materials, including an understanding of stress, fracture, deformation, or related concepts

* Proficiency in at least one scientific computing language (R, Python, or MATLAB), with demonstrated experience applying computational methods to data analysis, data processing, or instrumentation workflows

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and proactively seek out ways to contribute without requiring close direction

* Strong interpersonal skills and a…