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, and more sustainable world.

Our Opportunity

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 within a tire manufacturing environment or related rubber component manufacturing is required.
• Strong knowledge of structure–property relationships in elastomers, as well as practical experience in experimental characterization and failure analysis of rubber systems.
• 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.

Skills and Qualifications

• 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 processing required.

Application Instructions

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending).

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

• https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
• https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that 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. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities. We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too.

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, 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. Salary Range USD $140,000.00 - USD $162,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits

You Will Enjoy Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

• https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.