Associate Engineer — Mechanical & Materials Forensic Engineering

MC Forensics; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Critical Forensics in Toronto is seeking an Associate Engineer to join its Mechanical & Materials Forensic Engineering practice. This junior-to-intermediate role involves field investigations, data review, and rigorous analysis, with 15-30% travel to national, provincial and local sites.

You will support investigations from initial assignment through reporting and, where required, preparation for legal proceedings, delivering clear, defensible findings for insurers and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Junior-to-intermediate experience in mechanical systems, materials, investigation or failure analysis.
• Strong written communication; able to prepare clear technical documentation.
• Ability to work independently in the field and with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Support forensic investigations of mechanical systems and materials.
• Attend site examinations and document findings.
• Identify failure mechanisms and root cause.
• Prepare for examinations for discovery and expert-witness matters.
• Coordinate with clients, adjusters, and project participants.

Skills

Analytical skills

Reading drawings

Technical communication

Fieldwork readiness

MS Office

CAD software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

MS Office

FEM software

Job description

Travel: 15-30%, national, provincial and local sites Reports to: Forensic Engineering Principal / Director

The Opportunity

Mission Critical Forensics is seeking an Associate Engineer to join its Mechanical & Materials Forensic Engineering practice in Toronto.

This junior-to-intermediate position is suited to an engineer with sound technical fundamentals, strong observational and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly. The Associate Engineer will support investigations from initial assignment through site examination, evidence review, analysis, reporting, and, where required, preparation for legal proceedings.

The role requires sound judgment, careful documentation, objectivity, and a disciplined approach to evidence. Investigations may involve equipment failures, material degradation, water losses, fires, explosions, mechanical damage, installation deficiencies, product failures, and other incidents requiring root-cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support forensic engineering investigations involving mechanical systems, materials, equipment, building systems, and related incidents.
• Attend and document site examinations, inspections, evidence reviews, testing, and meetings.
• Examine failed components, equipment, materials, and systems to identify failure mechanisms, contributing factors, and root cause.
• Collect, organize, photograph, label, and maintain records of physical evidence in accordance with investigation requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, maintenance records, inspection reports, photographs, witness information, test data, and other project documentation.
• Conduct research, calculations, engineering analysis, and failure-mode assessments under the direction of senior forensic engineers.
• Assist with the development of technically rigorous, clear, and defensible engineering reports for insurers, legal counsel, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare figures, photographs, timelines, diagrams, calculations, and supporting technical documentation.
• Assist senior staff in preparing for examinations for discovery, mediation, arbitration, and expert-witness matters.
• Coordinate with clients, adjusters, contractors, laboratories, manufacturers, legal counsel, and other project participants.
• Manage assigned tasks, deadlines, records, and project documentation with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
• Maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and independence throughout every investigation.
• Travel to national, provincial and local project sites as required (15-30%).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Junior-to-intermediate engineering experience in mechanical systems, materials, manufacturing, construction, industrial equipment, building systems, investigation, testing, or failure analysis.
• Strong technical curiosity and the ability to approach problems methodically and objectively.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, equipment documentation, test data, and technical reports.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, well-organized technical documentation.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills; able to work professionally with clients, project teams, and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage several assignments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable working independently in the field and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficient with relevant engineering, analysis, modelling, and drafting software.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to attend project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• EIT, P.Eng., or eligibility for registration with Professional Engineers Ontario.
• Experience with forensic engineering, insurance claims, construction claims, product failure, materials testing, laboratory testing, or root-cause analysis.
• Experience with mechanical systems, HVAC, plumbing, pressure vessels, industrial equipment, manufacturing processes, metals, polymers, composites, coatings, corrosion, or material degradation.
• Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, inspection methods, and testing procedures.
• Experience preparing technical reports for non-technical audiences.

Mission Critical Forensics is an equal-opportunity employer. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable law.