Principal Scientist/Engineer
Location: Round Rock, Texas (Hybrid Work Option)
Compensation: $150,000 - $190,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)
The Principal Engineer/Scientist is a senior technical leader and recognized subject matter expert who plays a critical, outward-facing role in advancing Spheros’ technical excellence, market reputation, and business growth. This role is reserved for individuals whose depth of expertise, professional credibility, and client presence position them as trusted advisors both internally and externally. Serves as reputation builders for Spheros Environmental through visibility in client engagements, industry forums, and professional networks, and are actively involved in business development through technical leadership, strategic pursuit support, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The role does not include direct people management responsibilities. However, Principal Engineers/Scientists are expected to mentor emerging technical leaders and delegate work strategically to mid-level staff to develop next-generation experts. Success in this role is measured not only by technical excellence, but also by impact. This includes client influence, revenue contribution, thought leadership, and external visibility through publications, presentations, and professional engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership and Subject Matter Expertise
- Serve as a leading authority in one or more core technical disciplines, providing expert guidance on complex, high-profile projects.
- Lead the development and application of advanced technical approaches, methodologies, and best practices.
- Provide technical oversight and peer review on deliverables, proposals, and strategic initiatives.
- Act as an internal technical resource across disciplines/regions/divisions, supporting integrated, multi-disciplinary solutions.
- Subject matter expert on scientific principles. Demonstrates advanced understanding in applicable fields. Ability to apply systems thinking drawing on a broad set of topics.
- Recognized as a SME internally and externally for achievements and technical expertise. Contribute to peer reviewed publications.
- Lead technical analysis of other scientists where appropriate.
- Responsible for data reporting and visualization/mapping, writing plans/reports, producing graphics and regulatory reporting.
- Reviews work products and procedures for quality assurance and control. Manage maps and graphics development. Report conclusions.
- Takes complete responsibility for the quality of work performed by self and others, including the quality of deliverables in the area of expertise and quality of deliverables created by others.
- Proficient in communicating technical concepts, both verbally and in written form. Communicates clearly and articulately with clients, experts, and management. Primary or senior author for deliverables. Recognizes a red flag and works with colleagues to resolve.
- Actively seeks the latest technologies related to scientific and engineering principles and practices. Provides innovative and unique ideas; develops new approaches, tools, or techniques.
- Represent the firm externally through conference presentations, technical papers, webinars, panel discussions, and professional committees.
- Publish articles, white papers, or blog posts that reinforce the firm’s expertise and market leadership.
- Build and maintain a strong professional network within the industry.
- Contribute to the firm’s external communications and brand strategy through visible technical leadership.
Client Engagement and Advisory Role
- Act as a trusted technical advisor to key clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Participate in high-level client meetings, project strategy discussions, and critical technical negotiations.
- Strengthen long-term client relationships through credibility, insight, and thought leadership.
- Support pursuit teams by shaping technical narratives and value propositions.
Business Development
- Leverages professional networks to engage locally with the industry on thought leadership such as participating in peer review and/or publishing a peer review.
- Lead the development process for complex proposals. Assist other Principal Engineers/Scientists with the development of long-term marketing strategies.
- Responsible for developing new client business and participating in strategic planning for the department.
- Meets sales and revenue targets.
Mentorship and Knowledge Development
- Mentor mid-level and senior staff to develop technical depth, judgment, and professional confidence.
- Delegate technical work appropriately to support staff development and succession planning.
- Provide informal coaching and guidance without formal supervisory or performance management responsibilities.
- Support internal training initiatives and communities of practice.
- Shares feedback for performance assessments.
- Help to ensure teams are following company and safety standards.
- Leads initiatives designed to increase technical excellence and improve quality.
- Possess a desire for lifelong learning.
- Take a leadership role in understanding Spheros’ service offerings and other SMEs.
Project Management
- May serve as PM, Technical PM, Quality Manager, or Principal for project delivery.
- Maintain or assist PM in maintaining project schedules, providing updates, and interim reports.
- Monitor project performance and quality, achievement of milestones/deadlines, and assist with handling challenges and/or barriers to completion.
- Prepare status updates on projects via reports and communicate to leadership, internal and/or external clients.
Financial Acumen
- Monitors project budget and understand how to manage within it.
- Assist management on annual budgets and revenue forecasts.
- Understand different pricing strategies (i.e., T&M, Fixed Fee, Value Pricing, etc.), revenue contribution, return on investment, retained earnings, and sales goals.
- Understand Sphero’s strategic objectives and be able to communicate these to clients and internal audiences.
Qualifications:
Why Spheros Environmental?
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $150,000 - $190,000, with opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
- Professional Growth: Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
- Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states.
- Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
- Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.
Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.
