Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.•Natick, MA

10d•$140,000 - $162,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge of structure–property relationships in elastomers, as well as practical experience in experimental characterization and failure analysis of rubber systems. Candidates should be 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. This position requires some travel and will involve collaboration with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. A long-term goal for a successful candidate will be to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm.

Requirements

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
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 and processing required

Nice To Haves

Some related industrial experience
Familiarity with rubber compounding, curing, and manufacturing processes is a plus

Responsibilities

Inspections, scientific analysis and testing to address the specification and reliability of polymeric materials in a variety of applications ranging from automotive products to construction materials.
A significant portion of activities will include root cause analysis related to tire and rubber component performance, durability, and in-service failures.
Assignments will require the ability to gather information from and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law and industry.