Principal Engineer/Scientist- Water Resources

Exponent; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 259,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Principal Scientist/Engineer to lead consulting teams in the Environmental & Earth Sciences Practice, focusing on water resources, water rights, and water quality. The role includes attracting and developing clients, managing staff, and delivering strategic advisory and litigation support on diverse projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record, extensive senior-level experience, and a reputation for integrity and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing projects.
• Strong communication skills and client-facing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop consulting teams to provide strategic advisory and litigation support to clients.
• Identify opportunities to leverage multidisciplinary capabilities for new business opportunities.
• Develop and grow client relationships and promote Exponent’s services.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop staff in technical and business areas.
• Publish papers, present at conferences, and conduct seminars to showcase expertise.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Project management

Writing skills

Critical thinking

Education

Advanced degree in Civil/Water/Environmental Engineering

Job description

Principal Engineer/Scientist- Water Resources

ID: 2026-2376

Location: US-CA-Pasadena

Practice: Environmental and Earth Sciences

Position Type: Full-time

Posted Salary Range: USD $211,500.00 - USD $258,500.00 /Yr.

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.

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 team!

• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Principal Scientist/Engineer for our Environmental & Earth Sciences Practice. In this role you will work as part of a team on stimulating and challenging work with significant opportunities for professional growth. The ideal candidates will be responsible for attracting and developing clients and providing consulting services in the areas of water resources and supply, water rights, and/or water quality. These individuals will also manage a staff of scientists and participate in a diverse array of projects. The preferred location is Pasadena, CA or Oakland, CA but the location is flexible.

You will be responsible for

• Leading and developing consulting teams to provide strategic advisory and/or litigation support services to clients
• Seeking opportunities to leverage Exponent's multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific capabilities to develop creative and collaborative project approaches and business opportunities
• Identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities and promoting Exponent through industry contacts
• Enhancing and growing client relationships
• Recruiting, developing, and mentoring staff in both technical and business areas
• Promoting Exponent's multidisciplinary consulting expertise by publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and conducting seminars

You will have the following skills and qualifications

• Advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• Fifteen (or more) years of experience in environmental consulting; experience as an expert witness is a plus
• An outstanding reputation among clients for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise
• Have built an existing personal consulting practice comprised of a substantial client base
• Experience in managing projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills

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

We 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 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.

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.

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 Range

USD $211,500.00 - USD $258,500.00 /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 [e-mail].

Job Locations

US-CA-Pasadena
US-CA-Oakland