Principal Scientist

About the role

We are seeking an experienced consultant for a Principal Scientist position in our Polymers & Chemistry Practice. This position is open across all U.S. office locations.

Responsibilities

• Leverage deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new client engagements by understanding emerging needs and building long-term partnerships.
• Maintain and grow trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high-quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor.
• Build, manage, and empower multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts.
• Ensure successful project execution through effective planning, resource allocation, and budget management, while maintaining high 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 committees.
• Inspect, test, and analyze various polymeric materials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries.
• Perform 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.
• Analyze information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicate testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure-property-end use performance relationships
• Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the polymer science or materials science space
• Proven track record of business generation and attracting new and repeat clients or funding
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations in your scientific field
• Outstanding reputation among clients and the scientific community for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise
• Adept people management abilities coupled with extensive experience in successfully overseeing and executing complex projects
• Strong commitment to professional development

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific concepts in a credible manner to diverse audiences

Benefits

This 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).

At Exponent, we offer 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.

Our firm is committed to offering 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.

The base salary range for this position is USD $225,000.00 - USD $275,000.00 /Yr.

For more information on life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

• Life at Exponent
• Our Impact

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.