Materials Scientist, Thin Film Mechanics (Ph.D.)
About Exponent
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 currently seeking a Materials Scientist, Thin Film Mechanics for our Materials & Corrosion Engineering Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role you will work as part of a team to investigate broad materials science investigations of problems arising for our clients, particularly in the areas of product development, quality control, and product reliability. This role will also have a focus thin film and surface mechanical properties, testing, and failure.
You will be responsible for
- Conducting hands-on failure analysis
- Planning and executing laboratory tests
- Field inspections
- Materials characterization
- Experimental method development
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- Ph.D. in Materials Science or a related discipline, combined with a background including significant Materials Science coursework and research experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute
- Specialized knowledge of materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, FIB, TEM, EDS, XPS, Auger, SIMS, FTIR, acoustic microscopy, X-ray, or interferometry) is required
- Experience with thin film or surface mechanical properties, behavior, and experiments (e.g. nano-indentation, in-situ mechanical testing, abrasion, etc.)
- Experience with thin film and electronic materials is preferred
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
Life @ Exponent
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
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.
Compensation
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $145,000 dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Benefits you will enjoy
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.