Forensic Mechanical Engineer - Charlotte, NC

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus ( is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!

OVERVIEW:
Provides forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Evaluates injury and property damage claims caused by commercial products, heavy equipment, or machines not working properly. Provides oral and written reports of findings and, when needed, expert testimony.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs 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 in advance of performing the work.
• Investigates how and why an incident occurred and determines whether it was a result of mechanical failure of equipment.
• Inspects sites/products/equipment; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions, determine cause and origin of damage; performs site surveys with total station survey equipment; performs mechanical engineering calculations; prepares CAD-based and manual sketches as required; orders and evaluates required laboratory testing and performs analyses.
• Conducts various analyses including, but not limited to, industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure; product liability, and design and safety.
• Initiates, develops and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.

Safety and Osha requirements

• Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures.
• Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation are essential as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
• Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
• Ensures that procedure is being followed and checks on safety features of the project during the time it is being completed
• Uses many different equations, applications and figures which may include chemical testing applications, drafting and design software, electrical testing devices and equipment, land surveying techniques, and others.
• Follows land use laws and regulations.
• May be required to supervise and/or evaluate the performance of associate team members.
• Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
• Includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, overseeing field testing, and reviewing historical documentation.

REQUIRED SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Must have a high level of analytical skill. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).
• Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to write scopes of work clearly and coherently, 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree or higher.
• P.E. required.
• 2-10 years of experience, including knowledge of machinery and equipment.
• Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements

• Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. incident sites). Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to incident sites. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
• Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Defined regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. However, our consultants are able to make their own schedules within the confines of meeting client scheduling needs and expectations. Occasional odd working hours may be required in order to complete technical investigations.
• Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 25% travel overnight out of area travel as most inspections are completed locally.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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