Forensic Mechanical Engineer - Charlotte, NC

Provides failure analysis and forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Evaluates injury, equipment, and property damage claims caused by alleged issues with products, heavy equipment, machines, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and other mechanical systems. Provides oral and written reports of findings, technical guidance to clients, and expert testimony when needed. Although this is a remote position, you must reside in the territory of Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, or Grand Rapids.

Responsibilities

• Performs failure analysis for forensic assignments within the field of mechanical engineering expertise based on a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client before performing the work.
• Investigates how and why an incident occurred, including identifying the origin, failure mechanism, and root cause of the incident, as well as the role of the mechanical system in question.
• Inspects sites, products, equipment, and systems; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions and determines cause and origin of damage.
• Performs site surveys with total station survey, scanners, drones, and other means of 3D documentation; performs mechanical engineering calculations; prepares CAD-based and manual sketches as required; orders and evaluates required laboratory testing and performs analyses.
• Reviews and interprets relevant codes, standards, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, peer-reviewed literature, data logs, and other documentation to evaluate compliance of design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the subject product, equipment, or system.
• Conducts various analyses, including industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure; product liability; and design and safety.
• Provides support on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment.
• Initiates, develops, and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or higher.
• P.E. (Professional Engineer) license required.
• 2-10+ years of experience, including knowledge of products, machine design, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and/or other mechanical equipment/systems/processes.
• Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience required.

Skills

• High level of analytical skill with continual attention to detail; ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (internal and external).
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to clearly and coherently write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
• Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands and Travel

• Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (e.g., accident sites).
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites.
• May lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, interacting with clients, preparing written reports, and testifying in depositions or trials.
• Clear vision and depth perception are necessary.
• Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. Overtime may be required to meet the demands of the position.
• This position requires up to 25% travel, including some out-of-area and overnight travel.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision).
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA).
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays).
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity).
• Short Term & Long Term Disability.
• Training & Development.
• Work From Home.