Materials Scientist/Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.•Menlo Park, CA

20h•$140,000 - $157,000•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Materials Scientist/Engineer to join their Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. This role involves conducting scientific and engineering analyses for clients in industries such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and utility infrastructure. Projects include failure analysis, root cause investigations, regulatory compliance support, product evaluations, and data-driven engineering assessments. The position offers opportunities for both laboratory-based and field-based investigations, as well as computational analysis. Collaboration across disciplines is a key aspect of the role, requiring regular interaction with colleagues from various technical fields and active relationship building across the practice and the firm.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with significant Materials Science coursework and research experience
Hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, optical microscopy, mechanical testing) and the ability to integrate results across multiple methods to develop robust, defensible conclusions
Working knowledge of mechanics and mechanical behavior of materials, including an understanding of stress, fracture, deformation, or related concepts
Proficiency in at least one scientific computing language (R, Python, or MATLAB), with demonstrated experience applying computational methods to data analysis, data processing, or instrumentation workflows
Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and proactively seek out ways to contribute without requiring close direction
Strong interpersonal skills and a genuinely collaborative, outgoing nature - you enjoy building relationships, asking questions, and finding ways to be useful across teams
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-specialist audiences
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, adaptable, and energized by variety - someone who thrives when working across multiple projects, industries, and technical domains simultaneously
Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship and processing required

Nice To Haves

Experience with portable or field-deployed analytical instrumentation (e.g., handheld XRF, LIBS, or similar)
Familiarity with statistical methods for data quality evaluation, measurement uncertainty, or method comparability
Experience with image processing, machine vision, or quantitative image analysis applied to materials data
Experience with hands-on instrumentation for laboratory testing

Responsibilities

Materials characterization, failure analysis, and root cause investigations using techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, XPS, ARM, and mechanical testing methods, such as tensile testing, hardness testing, microindentation, and nanoindentation
Supporting field inspections and field-based analytical testing, including use of portable and handheld instrumentation
Designing and executing laboratory and field experiments, developing test protocols, and translating observations into actionable findings
Applying computational and data analysis tools (R, Python, and/or MATLAB) to process, analyze, and synthesize complex engineering and materials datasets
Preparing and presenting technical reports, data summaries, and client-ready deliverables that communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Proactively identifying opportunities to contribute to projects across Exponent's practice areas and building relationships with colleagues firmwide