Human Factors Principal Scientist (Ph.D. or M.A./M.S.)
About The Position
Exponent is seeking a Principal Scientist to join its Human Factors Practice. The role leads complex technical investigations and provides strategic client guidance, using rigorous human factors methods to understand human behavior, decision-making, performance, and interactions with products, systems, and environments. Work spans science, safety, engineering, and litigation, including product design, accidents, workplace safety, transportation systems, consumer products, medical devices, and emerging technologies. As a senior technical leader, the Principal Scientist will serve as principal investigator and trusted advisor to clients, lead engagements from scoping through final deliverables, and communicate findings to executive, legal, regulatory, insurance, and technical audiences. The role also includes business development and revenue responsibilities, mentoring and developing staff, publishing and presenting thought leadership, and contributing to professional organizations and industry standards. The position is based in Farmington Hills, MI; Menlo Park, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; or Tampa, FL, with other locations potentially considered. Consultants generally work in person in an office unless traveling for client or other business activities, with flexibility to balance work and personal schedules.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ergonomics, Cognitive Engineering, Human Systems Integration, or a closely related discipline; an M.A./M.S. with relevant experience will also be considered.
- Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; immigration sponsorship or processing is not available.
- 12 or more years of relevant consulting, industry, research, or applied human factors experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas: human performance and decision-making; human-machine interaction; product safety; transportation human factors; occupational safety; medical device human factors; or accident investigation and reconstruction.
- Strong publication record and recognized technical expertise.
- Experience managing large and complex projects.
- Proven client relationship management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to synthesize scientific information into practical business recommendations.
Nice To Haves
- Expert witness experience.
- Consulting experience within a technical, engineering, scientific, or litigation-support environment.
- Experience supporting matters involving product liability, transportation incidents, workplace injuries, or regulatory investigations.
- Record of generating and growing client relationships resulting in sustained revenue growth.
- Professional certifications or leadership roles in HFES, APA, SAE, AAMI, or related organizations.
Responsibilities
- Lead multidisciplinary investigations involving human performance, perception, cognition, attention, decision-making, ergonomics, and human behavior.
- Design and oversee human factors studies, experiments, simulations, evaluations, and risk assessments.
- Apply scientific methods to evaluate accident causation, product use, warnings and instructions, workplace safety, transportation systems, and consumer interactions.
- Direct project teams conducting data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Develop defensible technical opinions supported by scientific evidence and industry standards.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and their interactions with human users, including automation, autonomous systems, connected products, and AI-enabled technologies.
- Serve as principal investigator and trusted advisor for key clients.
- Lead large, complex engagements from scoping through final deliverables.
- Present findings to executive leadership, legal counsel, regulators, insurers, and technical stakeholders.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Evaluate human performance issues associated with accidents, incidents, and product liability matters.
- Develop expert analyses and reports; support deposition and trial activities; and serve as an expert witness in areas aligned with technical expertise and experience.
- Develop and execute business development strategies within Human Factors and adjacent practice areas.
- Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients and identify cross-practice collaboration opportunities.
- Prepare proposals, statements of work, and project budgets; meet individual revenue and utilization objectives.
- Publish technical papers, articles, and conference presentations; contribute to industry standards committees and professional organizations; and participate in external speaking engagements.
- Mentor and develop consultants, associates, and senior scientists, and assist with recruiting and talent development.
- Foster collaboration across engineering, data science, biomechanics, UX, medical device, transportation, and safety disciplines.
Benefits
- At Manager level and above, total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
- The firm offers programs and resources to support health and well-being, as well as competitive benefits and compensation and recognition programs.
- Flexible, agile working hours and autonomy to balance work and personal schedules.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
