Human Factors 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.
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+ Consultants640+ Ph.
D.s90+ Disciplines30+ Offices globallyOur OpportunityWe are currently seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Human Factors Practice in Farmington Hills, MI , Menlo Park, CA , Philadelphia, PA , Phoenix, AZ , or Tampa, FL . Other locations may be considered. In this role, you will lead complex technical investigations, provide strategic guidance to clients, and develop innovative approaches to understanding human behavior, decision-making, performance, and interaction with products, systems, and environments. You will work at the intersection of science, safety, engineering, and litigation, applying rigorous human factors methodologies to help clients solve challenging problems involving product design, accidents, workplace safety, transportation systems, consumer products, medical devices, and emerging technologies.
As a senior technical leader, you will be responsible for generating new business opportunities, mentoring junior staff, publishing thought leadership, and serving as a trusted advisor to clients across a diverse set of industries.
You will be responsible for Technical Leadership Lead multidisciplinary investigations involving human performance, perception, cognition, attention, decision-making, ergonomics, and human behaviorDesign and oversee human factors studies, experiments, simulations, evaluations, and risk assessmentsApply scientific methods to evaluate accident causation, product use, warnings and instructions, workplace safety, transportation systems, and consumer interactionsDirect project teams conducting data collection, analysis, and interpretationDevelop defensible technical opinions supported by scientific evidence and industry standardsEvaluate emerging technologies and their interaction with human users, including automation, autonomous systems, connected products, and AI-enabled technologies Client Service & Consulting Serve as principal investigator and trusted advisor for key clientsLead large, complex engagements from scoping through final deliverablesPresent findings to executive leadership, legal counsel, regulators, insurers, and technical stakeholdersTranslate complex technical concepts into clear and actionable recommendations Litigation & Expert Support Evaluate human performance issues associated with accidents, incidents, and product liability mattersDevelop expert analyses and reportsSupport deposition and trial activitiesServe as an expert witness in areas aligned with technical expertise and experience Business Development Develop and execute business development strategies within Human Factors and adjacent practice areasBuild and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clientsIdentify opportunities for cross-practice collaborationPrepare proposals, statements of work, and project budgetsMeet individual revenue and utilization objectives Thought Leadership Publish technical papers, articles, and conference presentationsContribute to industry standards committees and professional organizationsEnhance Exponent's reputation through external speaking engagements and technical leadership Team & Practice Leadership Mentor and develop consultants, associates, and senior scientistsAssist with recruiting and talent development initiativesFoster collaboration across engineering, data science, biomechanics, UX, medical device, transportation, and safety disciplinesYou will have the following skills and qualificationsPh.
D. in Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ergonomics, Cognitive Engineering, Human Systems Integration, or a closely related discipline. M.
A./M.
S. with relevant experience will also be considered.
Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required12+ years of relevant consulting, industry, research,