Principal Scientist

Exponent•Menlo Park, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

About Exponent Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges. Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability. Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! Key statistics: 950+ Consultants 640+ Ph.D.s 90+ Disciplines 30+ Offices globally 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 in terdisciplinary project team s 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 . C andidate s must also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey scientific concepts in a credible manner to diverse audiences. This 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 . T he 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 Leverag ing deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors , delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions. Identify ing , pursu ing , and secur ing new client engagements by understanding emerging needs and building long-term partnerships. Maintain ing and grow ing trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high-quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor. Build ing , manag ing , and empower ing multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity. Provid ing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts. Ensur ing 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 dispute s .

Requirements

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

Leverag ing deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors , delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions.
Identify ing , pursu ing , and secur ing new client engagements by understanding emerging needs and building long-term partnerships.
Maintain ing and grow ing trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high-quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor.
Build ing , manag ing , and empower ing multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity.
Provid ing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts.
Ensur ing 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 dispute s .