Manager, Materials Science; Ph.D

Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.) (: ) – Full‑time –

Location:

US‑CA‑Menlo Park – Practice:
Materials Science and Electrochemistry – Posted Salary Range: USD $ - USD $ /Yr.

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!

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

We are seeking a talented and motivated Manager to join our Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice. This position is open across U.S. office locations. In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary teams that address complex challenges involving materials selection, degradation, failure analysis, and electrochemical performance across a wide range of industries, including energy storage, consumer electronics, medical devices, transportation, and infrastructure.

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, and grow your consulting practice. You will work closely with senior staff and subject matter experts across Exponent's practices and offices.

• 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

• Ph.D. in Materials Science or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience post‑graduation in the materials science space. Expertise related to glass or ceramics will be considered a plus
• Proven track record in securing grants, driving funding initiatives, or delivering solutions that meet client needs
• Experience in a role facing outside of your organization (e.g., customer‑facing or supply chain coordination) is a plus
• Experience in any of the following: product safety/liability/recalls; construction defect claims; subrogation; failure to perform/equip; or intellectual property
• Experience with managing a small team of 2‑5 team members
• Strong analytical and…