Materials Engineer/Scientist (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, 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 Engineer/Scientist for our Materials & Corrosion Engineering Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role, you will work as part of a team conducting engineering and scientific analyses to assist Exponent’s clients across multiple industries, particularly including consumer electronics. Projects can range from analysis of prototype-phase materials evaluation to supply chain issues to field returns, and from device-level behavior to fundamental materials properties. With the support of all of Exponent’s diverse expertise in polymers, materials chemistry, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, to name a few, we touch on nearly every aspect of our clients’ products.
You will be responsible for
- Materials characterization and failure analysis
- Engineering and scientific analysis
- Laboratory testing and field inspections
- Communicating findings to clients with verbal, written, and/or presentation-style reports
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related field and familiarity with mechanical properties
- Demonstrated ability to adapt knowledge to new contexts and work outside of core areas of expertise
- Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute proactively to solve difficult problems
- Specialized knowledge in one of the following areas: thin film deposition techniques, materials design for multi-functional devices, thin film characterization tools, or mechanical properties of thin film materials including adhesion, fracture, and residual stresses
- Knowledge of materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, FIB, TEM, EDS, XPS, SIMS, FTIR, acoustic microscopy, X-ray, or interferometry)
- Broad knowledge of many techniques and deep knowledge in a few is valued
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
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
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
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. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite
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 $130,000 - $145,000 dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
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.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.