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Materials Science Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Building Science Consultant

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $119K/yr

Our San Francisco office is seeking a junior-level Building Science Consultant to join our ... Familiarity with construction materials, drawings, and specifications is a plus. * Working ...

Building Science Consultant

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $119K/yr

Our San Francisco office is seeking a junior-level Building Science Consultant to join our ... Familiarity with construction materials, drawings, and specifications is a plus. * Working ...

We are looking for a short-term consultant to work directly with our COO and business units leaders ... materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not ...

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Materials Science Consultant information

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$10

$41

$87

How much do materials science consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials science consultant in the United States is $41.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $49.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is material science high paying?

Materials science consultants often earn competitive salaries due to their specialized knowledge in developing and analyzing materials, with median wages typically above the national average for engineering roles. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and industry sector, such as aerospace or electronics. Advanced skills in characterization tools and research can also influence earning potential.

What does a science consultant do?

A materials science consultant provides expertise on the properties, processing, and applications of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. They analyze material performance, recommend improvements, and assist in product development or quality control, often using tools like microscopy and testing equipment. Their work supports industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics to optimize material use and innovation.

What does a Materials Science Consultant do?

A Materials Science Consultant applies expertise in materials properties, selection, processing, and performance to solve engineering and manufacturing challenges. They work with industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare to improve products, enhance durability, and reduce costs. Their responsibilities often include failure analysis, material testing, regulatory compliance, and advising on sustainable material choices.

What is a material science salary?

The salary for a materials science consultant typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced degrees or specialized skills in materials characterization and testing tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by industry certifications and project-based work.

What are high paying consultant jobs?

High-paying consultant jobs often include management consultants, IT consultants, and specialized engineering consultants, including materials science consultants. These roles typically require advanced expertise, certifications, and experience, and they can offer six-figure salaries depending on industry, location, and project scope.

What are typical projects or challenges a Materials Science Consultant might work on?

Materials Science Consultants are often engaged in a wide variety of projects such as evaluating material failure, recommending new materials for product development, or optimizing manufacturing processes for better performance and cost efficiency. Common challenges include staying current with rapidly evolving materials technologies, troubleshooting unexpected material behaviors, and translating complex technical findings into practical recommendations for clients. Consultants frequently work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with engineers, designers, and production specialists to problem-solve and implement solutions. These roles can offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities to work across industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and construction, making each project a unique learning experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Materials Science Consultant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Science Consultant, you need a strong background in materials engineering or science, often supported by a relevant degree and hands-on industry experience. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD, or spectroscopy), analysis software, and possibly professional certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be crucial. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills help consultants interpret data and present solutions to clients. These competencies are essential for delivering impactful, technically sound advice that addresses client needs and drives project success.

More about Materials Science Consultant jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Science Consultant jobs? Cities with the most Materials Science Consultant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Consultant jobs? The most popular types of Materials Science Consultant jobs are:
What states have the most Materials Science Consultant jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Science Consultant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science Consultant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science Consultant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Materials Science Consultant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,430 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Manager, Materials Science (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

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 areย seekingย a talented and motivatedย Managerย with consulting experienceย to join ourย Materials Science & Electrochemistry Practice. This position is open across U.S. office locations.ย In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary teams that address complex challenges involvingย materials selection,ย degradation, failure analysis, andย reliabilityย across a wide range of industries, includingย consumer products,ย energy storage, consumer electronics, medical devices, transportation, and infrastructure. You will support technical investigationsย andย laboratory testing, analyze data, and help deliver high-quality, client-focused solutions.ย 

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced consultant to partner with our senior staff and subject matter experts toย growย theirย consultingย practice.ย 

You will be responsible for
  • Applyingย expertiseย inย Materialsย Science to support investigations involving material performance, degradation, and failure across a range of industriesย 
  • Building andย cultivatingย strong client relationshipsย ย 
  • Contributing to the growth of theย consultingย business byย identifyingย opportunities through project work,ย client engagement, andย professional developmentย activitiesย 
  • Coordinatingย laboratory testing and analysis using techniques such as SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, cyclic voltammetry)ย 
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions to complex technical challengesย 
  • Preparing high-quality technical reports and presentations that clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiencesย 
  • Supporting project planning and executionย 
  • Participating in occasional travel for client meetings, site inspections, or lab workย 
  • Mentoring junior staff byย providingย technical guidance and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environmentย 
You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Ph.D.ย in Materials Science or aย closelyย related fieldย withย a strong foundationย in materials scienceย 
  • Minimum 5 years of experience consulting in the materials science space.ย Expertise related to glass or ceramics will be considered a plusย 
  • Proven ability to build and nurture meaningful client relationships that drive project growth and expansion.ย An existing book of business and/or experience supporting clients with legal disputes will be considered a plus
  • Experience in any of the following: product safety/liability/recalls; construction defect claims; subrogation; failure to perform/equip; or intellectual property
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw meaningful conclusionsย 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiencesย 
  • A collaborative mindset and experience working in multidisciplinary teams; experience with managing a small team of 2-5 team members
  • Project management experience, including coordinating tasks, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution of technical projects
  • A commitment to professional growthย 

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-exponenthttps://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.

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

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 Manager level and above total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary RangeUSD $165,000.00 - USD $195,000.00 /Yr.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.

Job LocationsUS-WA-Seattle US-CA-Menlo Park US-MA-Natick US-GA-Atlanta US-AZ-Phoenix US-TX-Austin US-CO-Denver US-MD-BowieEmployment Type: FULL_TIME