Principal Scientist

Exponent Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Exponent Inc. is looking for an experienced Principal Scientist to join the Polymers & Chemistry Practice. This position involves leading project teams to solve complex challenges related to polymeric materials across various applications, such as life sciences and automotive.

Candidates should have a PhD in Polymer Science, at least 10 years of consulting experience, and a strong track record of business generation. The role includes a competitive salary of $225,000 - $275,000 per year, plus bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in polymer science.
• Proven track record of managing a client portfolio generating over $1 million annually.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead interdisciplinary project teams tackling complex polymer-related challenges.
• Identify and secure new client engagements by understanding client needs.
• Ensure successful project execution through resource allocation and budget management.
• Conduct testing and analysis of polymeric materials for various industries.

Skills

Polymer science expertise

Business generation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Project management abilities

Education

PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science

Job description

Our Opportunity

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. In this role you will lead interdisciplinary project teams that investigate and solve complex problems related 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. Candidates must also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey scientific concepts in a credible manner to diverse audiences. The 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 the Polymers & Chemistry Practice.

You will be responsible for

• Leveraging 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 needs and 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 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.

• Inspecting, testing and analyzing various polymeric materials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries.

• Performing 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 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.

• This is a revenue‑generating role with substantial sales expectations. The 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).

Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life @ Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Compensation

Consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions. The base salary range for this position is USD $225,000.00 - USD $275,000.00 per year, plus bonus and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Job Locations

U.S. locations: Menlo Park, CA; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Bowie, MD; Natick, MA; Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; …

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].