Principal Structural Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 10, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 10, 2026.
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 currently seeking a Principal Structural Engineer for our Civil & Structural Engineering Practice in Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Houston, TX; Menlo Park, CA; Oakland, CA; Irvine, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Bellevue, WA; Washington DC; Natick, MA; Philadelphia, PA, or Atlanta, GA. This senior professional will lead complex forensic investigations and consulting engagements involving design, construction, performance, deterioration, and failure of buildings, bridges, and other structural systems. The successful candidate will serve as a senior technical authority, providing objective, science- and engineering-based assessments of building failures and other structural performance-related concerns. The role also includes business development, client relationship management, expert testimony, staff mentorship, and continued growth of the firm's civil and structural engineering capabilities.
You will be responsible for
- Inspection, analysis, and determination of root causes of structural performance failures
- Lead project teams and direct analytical and computer problem solving
- Develop clients and generate business
- Prepare and present technical reports
- Continued professional development towards demonstrating world-class expertise
- Providing expert testimony
You will have the following skills and qualifications
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field
- Licensure as a P.E. (Professional Engineer) or S.E. (Structural Engineer)
- Minimum of 10 years post-graduation engineering experience
- Legally authorized to work in the United States without further sponsorship
- Outstanding professional reputation and a record of publications or professional achievements
- A proven business development track record, the ability to attract projects to support full-time staff, and an established existing client base
- Experience providing expert testimony is preferred but not required
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to positively interact with professionals, technical staff, and administrative staff, and lead mentoring efforts
- A dedication to high-quality, engineering/science-driven results
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
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. #LI-Onsite
Compensation
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range
USD $234,000.00 - USD $284,000.00 /Yr.Benefits you will enjoy
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
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].