Manager, Materials Science (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. We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world.

Our Opportunity

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.

Key Statistics

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

Responsibilities

• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams that address complex challenges involving materials performance, degradation, and failure across a range of industries.

• Support technical investigations and laboratory testing, analyze data, and help deliver high-quality, client-focused solutions.

• Build and cultivate strong client relationships.

• Grow the consulting business by identifying opportunities through project work, client engagement, and professional development activities.

• Coordinate laboratory testing and analysis using techniques such as SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, cyclic voltammetry).

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions to complex technical challenges.

• Prepare high-quality technical reports and presentations that clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Participate in occasional travel for client meetings, site inspections, or lab work.

• Mentor junior staff by providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environment.

Qualifications

• 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 (i.e., customer-facing or supply chain coordination).

• Experience in product safety/liability/recalls, construction defect claims, subrogation, failure to perform/equip, or intellectual property.

• Experience managing a small team of 2-5 team members.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw meaningful conclusions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• A collaborative mindset and experience working in multidisciplinary teams.

• Project management experience, including coordinating tasks, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution of technical projects.

• Proven track record of business generation or attracting new and repeat clients or funding.

• A commitment to professional growth.

Benefits

• Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page.

• Equal opportunity employer.

• Comprehensive benefits package including base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

• Salary range for this position is USD $165,000.00 - USD $195,000.00 /Yr.

Work Environment

• In-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging.

• Flexible, agile work style and working hours allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients.

Compensation

• Total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

• The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.