Scientist​/Associate; 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

Exponent's Polymers & Chemistry Practice is seeking a Scientist/Associate to join our consulting staff in our Natick, MA office. Candidates should have an advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent), with some related industrial experience considered a plus. The successful candidate will possess extensive practical knowledge in rubber and elastomeric materials, with a particular emphasis on tire compounds, performance, and durability. Experience with in a tire manufacturing environment or related rubber component manufacturing is required.

The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge of structure–property relationships in elastomers, as well as practical experience in experimental characterization and failure analysis of rubber systems. Candidates should be highly skilled in analytical and experimental techniques relevant to elastomers, including rheology and viscoelastic characterization, mechanical and durability testing (e.g., fatigue, tear, abrasion, crack growth), microscopy and fractography, and chemical analysis methods such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, and DMA.

Experience with rubber compounding, curing, and manufacturing processes is a strong plus.

This position requires some travel and will involve collaboration with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. A long‑term goal for a successful candidate will be to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm.

• Inspections, scientific analysis and testing to address the specification and reliability of polymeric materials in a variety of applications ranging from automotive products to construction materials.
• A significant portion of activities will include root cause analysis related to tire and rubber component performance, durability, and in‑service failures.
• Assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law and industry.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of polymeric materials and associated characterization techniques
• Specific expertise in elastomers and rubber materials, with preferred experience in tire compounds and/or other rubber components
• Industry experience at a tire manufacturer or within rubber component manufacturing is required
• Experience with rubber‑focused characterization and testing techniques, including rheology, DMA, fatigue and crack growth testing, abrasion and tear testing
• Familiarity with rubber compounding, curing, and manufacturing processes is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superior problem‑solving abilities
• Strong educational and publication credentials
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or…