Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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 seeking a talented and motivated Manager to join our Materials Science & Electrochemistry team in Phoenix, AZ. In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary teams that address complex challenges involving battery failure analysis, safety hazard assessments, and electrochemical performance studies across a wide range of industries, including energy storage, transportation, consumer electronics, and medical devices. 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, lead small teams, and grow your consulting practice. You will work closely with senior staff and subject matter experts across Exponent’s practices and offices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post-graduate experience in materials science; hands-on experience with battery research and development (including electrochemistry and lithium-ion or other battery technologies) is highly desirable.
• Specialized knowledge of electrochemistry, battery chemistry, cell design, assembly, and characterization; experience in failure analysis preferred.
• Demonstrated strong drive and commitment to professional work product and growth.
• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques such as CT scanning, SEM, and electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, cyclic voltammetry), with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex data.
• Experience managing small teams and coordinating technical projects, timelines, and deliverables.
• Proven track record in business development, client engagement, or securing funding/grants.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences, including engineering, business, and legal stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to attract new and repeat clients or funding.

Responsibilities

• Applying expertise in Materials Science to support investigations involving battery failure analysis, safety assessments and performance evaluations across industries while leveraging experience in battery R&D to solve real-world electrochemistry and materials challenges.
• Designing and coordinating experiments, interpreting data, preparing high-quality technical reports and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Coordinating laboratory testing and analysis using techniques such as battery pack teardowns, CT scanning, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and electrochemical methods.
• Supporting project planning and execution to ensure timely and successful outcomes, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scientifically rigorous solutions, and mentoring junior staff by providing guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Participating in occasional travel for client meetings, site inspections, or lab work.

Benefits

• 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.
• At the Manager level and above total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
• Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees