Polymer Scientist (Ph.D.)

1d1 day ago

Exponent

Menlo Park, US · Full-time · $124,800 – $161,200

About this role

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges. We are seeking a Polymer Scientist for our Polymer Science & Materials Chemistry Practice. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team on diverse projects from pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, construction, infrastructure, and automotive industries.

In this role, you will inspect, test, and analyze various polymeric materials to assess specifications and reliability across applications. Perform root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials by examining development, manufacturing, or end-use environments. This position requires some travel and collaboration with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices.

Join a team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and experience spanning industries. Contribute to a diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Exponent features 950+ consultants, 640+ Ph.D.s, 90+ disciplines, and 30+ offices globally.

A long-term goal is to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm. Grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Engage multidisciplinary teams to empower clients with solutions for a safer, healthier, more sustainable world.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
Well-developed understanding of polymer and materials characterization
Knowledge of polymer bulk physical properties, mechanics, and/or polymer processing
Strong background and hands-on experience in polymer/chemical characterization techniques such as FTIR, GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and DMA
Experience characterizing non-conductive materials using electron microscopy
Experience testing and characterizing elastomer materials
Experience with the design, assembly, and execution of novel or non-standard testing
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical information

Responsibilities

Inspect, test, and analyze various polymeric materials to assess specifications and reliability in applications from industries like construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and consumer products
Perform root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by examining development, manufacturing, or end-use environments
Analyze information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry
Communicate testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes
Characterize polymers using techniques such as FTIR, GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and DMA
Test and characterize elastomer materials
Design, assemble, and execute novel or non-standard testing