Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent • Seattle, WA

10d • 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. Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower 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 Exponent's Polymers and Chemistry Practice is currently hiring a Scientist/Associate to join our consulting staff in our Seattle, WA 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 of the physical, chemical , and mechanical behavior of macromolecules and will be highly detail-oriented and skilled in a range of analytical and experimental techniques including Microscopy, Fractography, Mechanical Testing, Raman, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and DMA. Experience in polymer and composite processing ( e.g. extrusion, resin transfer molding, injection molding), process troubleshooting, and polymer failure analysis is a plus. This position requires strong technical communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the desire to learn concepts that may be adjacent to the candidate’s core expertise. This position also requires some travel and will involve collaboration with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. A successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to lead technical teams and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. A long-term goal for a successful candidate will be to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm. You will be responsible for Inspections, scientific analysis, and testing to understand the performance of material systems and the processes by which they are made Following established test protocols, or in their absence, developing new test protocols to characterize materials Performing root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing, and end-use environment of products Assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated characterization techniques
• Experience with sampling techniques and statistical data analysis for FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, Fractography, Chromatography and Microscopy (optical and electron based techniques)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong educational and publication credentials
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills

Nice To Haves

• some related industrial experience
• Experience in polymer and composite processing ( e.g. extrusion, resin transfer molding, injection molding), process troubleshooting, and polymer failure analysis

Responsibilities

• Inspections, scientific analysis, and testing to understand the performance of material systems and the processes by which they are made
• Following established test protocols, or in their absence, developing new test protocols to characterize materials
• Performing root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing, and end-use environment of products
• Assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry

What This Job Offers

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