Principal scientist

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.

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our 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 a n experienced consultant for a Principal Scienti st position in our Ecological & Biological Sciences  Practice in our Philadelphia, PA office . In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide strategic leadership and expert guidance on areas including complex environmental projects , such as sustainability initiatives, environmental permitting, biodiversity, and natural resource damage assessment. As a Principal Scientist, you will lead high-profile projects, cultivate relationships with existing clients, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our Ecological & Biological Sciences Practice.

You will be responsible for

• Leveraging deep knowledge in ecological and environmental sciences to address a wide range of environmental 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.

You Will Have The Following Skills And Qualifications

• PhD in Ecology, Biology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Sciences or a related scientific field
• Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the ecological or environmental sciences 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 

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].

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients.

Benefits You Will Enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [email protected] .

Job Locations

US-PA-Philadelphia