Mechanical Engineer (Forensic)

JR United Kingdom; Exeter; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A world-leading consulting firm seeks a Forensic Mechanical Engineer in their Glasgow office to investigate engineering failures and incidents. This unique role offers comprehensive training, the opportunity to work on diverse cases, and exceptional career advancement prospects in a rewarding profession.

Benefits

Five weeks holiday

Contributory pension scheme

Medical insurance

Life assurance

Company car

Relocation package

Opportunities for overseas secondments

Potential to become a Partner

Qualifications

• Minimum Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering; PhD highly desirable.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it.
• Experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) essential.

Responsibilities

• Conducting thorough site-based investigations and liaising with equipment suppliers.
• Preparing high-quality, illustrated reports suitable for court proceedings.
• Providing expert evidence in court when required.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Self-motivation

Education

Master's degree (MSc/MEng) in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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Candidates MUST be able to travel extensively

Are you a highly academic Mechanical Engineer with a passion for problem-solving and a desire for a career that transcends the conventional?

Our client, a world-leading international partnership of consulting scientists and engineers, invites applications for a Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join their Glasgow office. Established for over 50 years, they specialise in investigating fires, explosions, and other major incidents for a diverse client base across the legal, insurance, and commercial sectors. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to enter a unique and deeply rewarding profession where no two days are the same.

The Opportunity:

This is not your typical office or laboratory-based role. As a Forensic Mechanical Engineer with this prestigious firm, you will embark on a challenging and intellectually stimulating career, undertaking in-depth investigations into a wide array of engineering failures and incidents. Comprehensive "on-the-job" training in forensic investigation techniques and report preparation is provided, meaning prior forensic experience is not a prerequisite. You will be trained and closely supervised by their experienced team, with a clear path for career advancement based on your ability and attitude.

You will have the unique responsibility of managing technical investigations from their inception at an incident site through to preparing detailed reports and potentially providing expert witness testimony in court. The work is incredibly diverse, ranging from analysing the separation of plumbing connections to investigating the collapse of large engineering structures, personal injury accidents, and incidents involving health and safety. You will often be required to respond at short notice, visiting incident locations to meticulously record and gather evidence.

Your Role Will Involve:

• Conducting thorough site-based investigations to record and retrieve physical evidence.
• Interviewing individuals associated with incidents to understand the background and circumstances.
• Liaising with equipment suppliers and manufacturers to obtain crucial technical information.
• Reviewing technical documentation, including engineering drawings, operating manuals, and maintenance records.
• Consulting relevant standards, regulations, and published guidance.
• Undertaking detailed examinations of failed components and machinery, sometimes involving careful, systematic dismantling and ad hoc mechanical testing.
• Providing clear and concise verbal and written advice to clients, often translating complex technical details for a layperson or a Judge.
• Preparing high-quality, illustrated reports suitable for court proceedings.
• Attending client meetings and discussions with experts appointed by other parties.
• Giving expert evidence in Court when required.

We Are Looking For:

• A minimum of a Master's degree (MSc/MEng) in Mechanical Engineering; a PhD is highly desirable.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the IMechE, or actively working towards achieving it.
• While prior forensic experience is not required, demonstrable exposure to Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is essential.
• A strong academic record coupled with practical engineering aptitude and an enthusiasm for complex problem-solving.
• The ability to merge robust theoretical thinking with hands-on practical analysis.
• Excellent self-motivation and the capacity to work effectively under pressure and with minimal supervision following an extensive onboarding and shadowing period.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey intricate technical concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing, to non-technical audiences.
• A flexible approach, prepared to work unpredictable hours and travel as demanded by casework, sometimes at short notice.
• Empathy and an understanding of the serious nature of incidents, which can involve a threat to life.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations and guidance relating to the workplace is beneficial.

What Our Client Offers:

• Unrivalled job satisfaction in a unique and challenging field.
• A highly competitive starting salary with unparalleled prospects.
• Comprehensive in-house training and support, supplemented by external courses.
• Benefits package including five weeks holiday, a contributory pension scheme, medical insurance, life assurance, permanent health insurance, and a company car.
• A relocation package is available where appropriate.
• Opportunities for future overseas secondments to international offices.
• Opportunities to become a Partner

Ready for an exceptional challenge?

If you are a high-calibre Mechanical Engineer looking to apply your academic strength and analytical skills to a fascinating and impactful career, we want to hear from you. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to become a leading expert in your field.