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 may be based in Farmington Hills, Michigan; Menlo Park, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; or Tampa, Florida, with other locations potentially considered. The Principal Scientist will lead complex technical investigations, provide strategic guidance to clients, and develop approaches for understanding human behavior, decision-making, performance, and interactions with products, systems, and environments. The work spans science, safety, engineering, and litigation, and applies human factors methodologies to challenges involving product design, accidents, workplace safety, transportation systems, consumer products, medical devices, and emerging technologies. As a senior technical leader, the Principal Scientist will generate business opportunities, mentor junior staff, publish thought leadership, and advise clients across industries. The role combines technical investigation and project leadership with client service, litigation support, business development, and practice leadership.
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. or M.S. with relevant experience will also be considered.
- Currently 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 of these 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.
- Consulting experience within a technical, engineering, scientific, or litigation-support environment.
- Record of generating and growing client relationships resulting in sustained revenue growth.
Nice To Haves
- Expert witness experience.
- Experience supporting matters involving product liability, transportation incidents, workplace injuries, or regulatory investigations.
- 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 interaction 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 opportunities for cross-practice collaboration.
- Prepare proposals, statements of work, and project budgets, and meet individual revenue and utilization objectives.
- Publish technical papers and articles, present at conferences, contribute to industry standards committees and professional organizations, and enhance Exponent's reputation through external speaking engagements and technical leadership.
- Mentor and develop consultants, associates, and senior scientists; assist with recruiting and talent development; and 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, compensation, and recognition programs.
- Consultants have autonomy to balance work and personal schedules.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
