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Principal Engineer/Scientist- Water Resources

Exponent
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 14 Jan 2026
💰 $275,000/yr($190,000/yr$275,000/yr)

About the role

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 currently seeking a Principal Scientist/Engineer for our Environmental & Earth Sciences Practice. In this role you will work as part of a team on stimulating and challenging work with significant opportunities for professional growth. The ideal candidates will be responsible for attracting and developing clients and providing consulting services in the areas of water resources and supply, water rights, and/or water quality. These individuals will also manage a staff of scientists and participate in a diverse array of projects. The preferred location is Pasadena, CA or Oakland, CA but the location is flexible.

You will be responsible for

  • Leading and developing consulting teams to provide strategic advisory and/or litigation support services to clients
  • Seeking opportunities to leverage Exponent’s multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific capabilities to develop creative and collaborative project approaches and business opportunities
  • Identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities and promoting Exponent through industry contacts
  • Enhancing and growing client relationships
  • Recruiting, developing, and mentoring staff in both technical and business areas
  • Promoting Exponent’s multidisciplinary consulting expertise by publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and conducting seminars

You will have the following skills and qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
  • Fifteen (or more) years of experience in environmental consulting; experience as an expert witness is a plus
  • An outstanding reputation among clients for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise
  • Have built an existing personal consulting practice comprised of a substantial client base
  • Experience in managing projects and multidisciplinary teams
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Excellent writing and critical thinking skills

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) 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:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponenthttps://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

 

We value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives 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

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Company

Exponent

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