Principal Scientist, Polymers & Client Solutions

Exponent

Los Angeles (CA)

On-site

USD 225,000 - 275,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Exponent seeks a Principal Scientist in the Polymers & Chemistry Practice to lead interdisciplinary teams and drive impactful solutions across life sciences, consumer products, infrastructure, and automotive applications. The role requires a PhD in polymer-related fields and 10+ years of consulting experience with a strong client portfolio.

Ideal candidates will generate >$1M in annual revenue, mentor technical staff, and advance thought leadership through publications and conferences.

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. 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).

Responsibilities

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.
Offering high-level scientific and strategic advice to both internal stakeholders and external clients, contributing to the firm's thought leadership and client impact.
Enhancing 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 dispute claims.