Great place for self starters, no one holds your hand - Senior Engineer Exponent Employee Review

4.0
Sep 5, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The sky's the limit. This is a company that you can come to and build your own practice from the ground up. If you convince clients to hire you for huge projects, you'll do well and rise to the top rapidly. No one is there to stop you. You can choose to walk all over people to get there or not; there are many paths to Principal. People are generally good, and generally bright. There are a few phonies and bull crap artists, but the company overall has a very good reputation among clients and outsiders - and for good reason. Most interview candidates come armed with almost the exact same phrase: "I'm interested in Exponent because I like variety." You will certainly get that here.

Cons

Biggest con is a lack of management. The act of "good management" is not rewarded in any way. The term "manager" is thrown around as if giving out candy. Make a lot of money for Exponent? You're a manager / senior manager / principal - never mind if you never actually manage anything or anyone. Really good at training people, hiring people, or running a lab? You get a pat on the back at best, and at worst your bonus will suffer. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a complete joke (5% discount off of market value, with no control over the date of purchase). Stock awards / options are for Principal level and higher only. At that level, the options factor in to your bonus calculation. Bonuses are heavily skewed towards the rainmakers. Bonuses at lower levels are often a joke, unless you are the top performer in your pay grade.

Explore other reviews about Exponent

5.0
Mar 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits and great culture

Cons

Inconsistent workload but partly due to the nature of the business

2
2.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Many consultants successfully use Exponent as a stepping stone to larger tech companies. The project work can sometimes be very interesting and some consultants appreciate overtime and bonuses for long hours (albeit many feel they would earn more overall compensation at larger tech companies).

Cons

The company has very high expectations of its consultants and doesn't always provide the resources necessary to achieve their expectations. In order to grow after the first few years, consultants are generally expected to generate their own business, but some junior consultants feel they are not fairly given credit for business they help bring in. Many consultants feel the performance rewards are too delayed.

1
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