Principal, AI (Ph.D.)

Exponent•Houston, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Principal with deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join our multi-disciplinary science and engineering consulting team in the Houston, TX office. Exponent helps clients find critical solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. These same clients are rapidly transforming as they incorporate AI into their workflows and decision-making processes and are partnering with Exponent to pair insights from AI-driven correlation with the hard-earned science and engineering expertise that is necessary to understand causation. We are helping our clients ensure the AI powered solutions in their most critical services and products are delivered with a foundation of trust. This position is a strategic leadership opportunity for a recognized thought leader to shape and expand Exponent’s AI consulting services across key industries including life sciences , utilities , and transportation . In this role, you will collaborate with our subject matter experts to help clients understand, evaluate, and implement AI tools and technologies where having an answer isn’t enough – you need to know you have the right answer. You will also play a pivotal role in growing our AI consulting capabilities, developing new business, and mentoring technical staff.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred
10+ years of consulting, advisory, or leadership experience post-graduation, with a proven track record of attracting new and repeat clients or funding
8+ years of experience applying AI/ML in one or more of the following sectors: life sciences (e.g., medical device development, drug discovery, diagnostics, or clinical trials), utilities (e.g., grid optimization, predictive maintenance), or transportation (e.g., autonomous systems, mobility analytics)
Deep understanding of AI technologies and their practical applications – specifically working with subject matter teams to apply AI to high consequence/safety critical applications
Demonstrated leadership in architecting and deploying AI/ML solutions, with fluency in modern programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Julia) and relevant frameworks and platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Hugging Face)
Proven ability to guide and mentor technical teams in selecting, adapting, and evolving technologies to meet complex client needs
Strong command of model development lifecycle, including data engineering, feature engineering, model training, validation, deployment, and monitoring
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations in AI (e.g., FDA, GDPR, explainability, bias mitigation)
Exceptional communication skills and ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Adept management abilities and demonstrated project management experience
Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects
Strong commitment to professional development
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue new business opportunities, develop client relationships, and expand Exponent’s AI service offerings
Advise clients through the adoption of advanced technology solutions in regulated and safety critical technical domains, including life sciences, utilities, and transportation
Translate complex business and scientific problems into scalable AI strategies and solutions
Evaluate existing and developmental client AI systems including their risks, limitations, and potential failure modes - particularly in the integration of deep subject matter expertise to improve and explain AI powered solutions
Guide clients in responsible AI adoption, including model interpretability, fairness, and regulatory compliance
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including data scientists, biomedical engineers, epidemiologists, vehicle engineers, structural engineers, and more
Mentor and develop junior staff and foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation
Represent Exponent through publications, conference presentations, and participation in expert panels and advisory boards