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Associate Principal Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Responsibilities ECS Limited is seeking an accomplished Geotechnical Associate Principal to join our growing Raleigh team. The Geotechnical Associate Principal serves as a senior technical leader

Responsibilities ECS Limited is seeking an accomplished Geotechnical Associate Principal to join our growing Raleigh team. The Geotechnical Associate Principal serves as a senior technical leader

Responsibilities ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our transportation team in the Southeast. This role provides technical leadership for major infrastructure projects. This

Responsibilities ECS is hiring a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our transportation team in the Southeast. This role provides technical leadership for major infrastructure projects. This

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Associate Principal Scientist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$60.5K

$127.1K

$168.2K

How much do associate principal scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate principal scientist in Raleigh, NC is $127,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,700.00 and $149,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate principal scientist do?

An Associate Principal Scientist is a senior-level researcher who leads scientific projects and teams within an organization, often in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their responsibilities typically include designing and overseeing experiments, analyzing data, publishing research findings, and mentoring junior scientists. They also collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop new products or processes and ensure research aligns with organizational goals. Associate Principal Scientists are expected to demonstrate deep expertise in their field and contribute to strategic decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate principal scientist?

To thrive as an Associate Principal Scientist, you need advanced expertise in scientific research, data analysis, and often a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data management software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required, along with potential certifications depending on the industry. Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help drive projects forward and foster innovation within cross-functional teams. These skills ensure rigorous research, regulatory adherence, and effective advancement of scientific initiatives in a highly competitive environment.

What are some common collaborative projects an associate principal scientist might work on within a cross-functional team?

As an Associate Principal Scientist, you will frequently collaborate with professionals from various disciplines such as regulatory affairs, clinical development, and data analysis. Typical projects include designing and executing research studies, troubleshooting technical challenges, and interpreting complex data sets to inform decision-making. This role often requires strong communication skills to translate scientific findings into actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Effective cross-functional collaboration is essential for driving innovation and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Associate Principal Scientist vs Principal Scientist?

AspectAssociate Principal ScientistPrincipal Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (PhD or MS), relevant industry experienceSimilar credentials, often with more years of experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborative research teams, project-focusedLeadership roles, strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, or research organizationsSame industries, higher seniority

The Associate Principal Scientist typically functions as a senior researcher with significant expertise, focusing on executing research projects and contributing to scientific knowledge. The Principal Scientist holds a more senior, leadership-oriented role, often overseeing research strategies and mentoring teams. The main difference lies in the level of responsibility and leadership within the organization, with Principal Scientists generally having more influence on project direction and decision-making.

What job categories do people searching Associate Principal Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Principal Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Associate Principal Scientist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Associate Principal Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Principal Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,148 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Geotechnical Associate Principal

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
ECS Limited is seeking an accomplished Geotechnical Associate Principal to join our growing Raleigh team. The Geotechnical Associate Principal serves as a senior technical leader responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and performance of geotechnical engineering projects. This role provides technical oversight, final review, and mentorship across project teams while supporting business development and operational performance. The Geotechnical Associate Principal operates as a subject matter expert and final reviewer, delegating project execution to Senior Project Managers while maintaining accountability for technical excellence and delivery outcomes. The role maintains a positive customer service attitude and demonstrates ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities:
  • Provides technical expertise and oversight for geotechnical projects across the organization
  • Performs final technical review of reports, calculations, and deliverables prior to approval
  • Ensures quality, accuracy, and timeliness of project deliverables
  • Oversees project performance and supports issue resolution at a strategic level
  • Mentors and develops Senior Project Managers and staff
  • Supports preparation and review of proposals and contracts
  • Participates in and leads technical discussions with clients and project teams
  • Supports departmental operations and financial performance
  • Assists with staffing decisions and team development
  • Contributes to business development and client relationship growth
  • Provides cross-functional technical support, including adjacent service lines (e.g., CMT)
  • Performs other leadership and technical responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • 8 years of related experience
  • Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
  • A Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license is required in each of the state(s) in which you work
  • If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
  • Established technical expertise in geotechnical engineering disciplines
  • Strong regional market knowledge and client relationships
  • Experience in technical leadership and multi-project oversight
  • Advanced technical expertise in geotechnical principles and applications
  • Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities
  • Excellent communication and consulting skills
  • Strong project management and business development acumen
  • Ability to perform final technical review and validate engineering calculations
  • Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., slopes, foundations)
  • Strong understanding of regional geologic and geotechnical conditions
  • Ability to mentor and develop technical staff
  • Strong risk management and quality control capabilities

Military Qualifications
  • The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
    • E-7/E-8

About Us
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,00 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.