Principal Scientist

Principal ScientistID2025-2214LocationUS-CA-Menlo ParkPracticePolymers and ChemistryPosition TypeFull-timePosted Salary RangeUSD $225,000.00 - USD $275,000.00 /Yr.About ExponentExponent 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 teamKey statistics:950+ Consultants640+ Ph.D.s90+ Disciplines30+ Offices globallyu00a0Our OpportunityWe are seeking an experienced consultant for a Principal Scientistposition in ourPolymers & ChemistryPractice. This position is open across all U.S. office locations. In this role you will lead interdisciplinary project teams that investigate and solve complex problemsrelated to the specification, development, testing, and end-use performance of polymeric materials used in life sciences, consumer products, building and construction applications, infrastructure systems, and automotive components. Candidatesmust also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey scientificconcepts in a credible manner to diverseaudiences. This position requires some travel and will involve collaborating with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of scientific or engineering consulting experience with an established book of business.The ideal candidate will cultivate relationships with existing clients, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth of thePolymers & Chemistry Practice.u00a0You will be responsible forLeveraging deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions.Identifying, pursuing, and securing new client engagements by understanding emerging needsand building long-term partnerships.Maintaining and growing trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high-quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor.Building, managing, and empowering multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity.Providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts.Ensuring successful project execution through effective planning, resource allocation, and budget management, while maintaininghigh standards of quality and timeliness.Offer high-level scientific and strategic advice to both internal stakeholders and external clients, contributing to the firm's thought leadership and client impact.Enhance the firm's visibility and credibility by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at industry conferences, leading seminars, and participating in expert advisory or technical specting, testing and analyzing various polymeric mate ials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industriesPerforming root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing or end-use environment of products specified for use in the construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and automotive industries.Analyzing information and conveying technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicating testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes.You will have the following skills and qualificationsPhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure-property-end use performance relationshipsMinimum of 10years of consulting experience in the polymer science or materials science spaceProventrack record of business generation and attracting new and repeat clients or fundingExceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiencesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations in your scientific fieldOutstanding reputation among clients and the scientific community for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertiseAdept people management abilities coupled with extensive experience in successfully overseeing and executing complex projectsStrong commitment to professional developmentThis is a revenue-generating role with substantial sales expectations. This position requires achieving annual sales in excess of $1 million. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of managing an active client portfolio that consistently generates at least $1 million in annual revenue within industrial sectors or law firms (excluding revenue derived from government funding for academic research projects)Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].Life @ ExponentTo learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives 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 EnvironmentAt 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

Created: 2026-01-14