Divisional Vice President – Forensics Engineering

Stress Engineering Services Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Stress Engineering Services Inc (SES) seeks a Vice President for Forensic Engineering Technical Authority. This senior leader will guide complex forensic investigations, ensure deliverables are rigorous and defensible, and provide expert testimony in high-stakes matters.

The role emphasizes quality oversight, technical leadership, and strategic growth across the practice. You will mentor engineers, shape analytical approaches, review reports for credibility, and collaborate with clients and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical, civil/ structural materials, chemical, or related engineering field.
• PhD preferred.
• 10 years of experience in forensic consulting, failure analysis, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expert witness and testimony experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) preferred or required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for fieldwork and client engagements.

Responsibilities

• Technical Authority & Quality Oversight: serve as a senior technical reviewer on forensic investigations, ensuring work is accurate and defensible.
• Forensic Investigation & Testimony: lead cause and origin investigations and provide deposition/expert reports and testimony.
• Mentorship & Technical Development: coach engineers in judgment, failure analysis, and communication.
• Practice Leadership & Collaboration: align technical standards and support strategic client engagements across disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Technical authority

Failure analysis

Expert testimony

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in mechanical/ civil/ structural materials chemical or related engineering field

PhD preferred

Registered Professional Engineer (PE) preferred or required

Job description

Vice President Forensic Engineering Technical Authority Trusted Expert Builder of Excellence Are you the person others rely on to validate conclusions especially when the analysis must withstand legal scrutiny Do you take pride in delivering work that is technically rigorous defensible and worthy of expert testimony Are you energized by mentoring engineers setting the technical bar and ensuring every deliverable reflects true engineering excellence Stress Engineering Services SES is an elite one of a kind engineering consulting firm trusted for more than 50 years to solve the problems others cant Our reputation is built on an uncompromising commitment to technical excellence a highly selective team of experts and a track record of delivering answers in the most complex high stakes environments We operate at the intersection of deep technical expertise and real world application partnering with clients across energy aerospace consumer products medical and beyond Our teams combine advanced analysis with hands on testing failure analysis and practical engineering judgment to deliver solutions that perform where it matters mostin the field As an employee owned company our people are personally invested in every outcome creating a culture where accountability is high and excellence is the standard We dont just solve problemswe uncover root causes mitigate risk and deliver confidence For our clients that means a trusted partner known for rigor and results For our people it means joining an elite team tackling the most meaningful challenges in engineering SES is where complex problems meet uncommon solutionsand where elite engineers come to do their best work Our Core Values We Over Me We put the mission our clients and our team ahead of individual agendasUnyielding Pursuit of Excellence Excellence is the standard We deliver the right solution on time every timeOwn It We take accountability to earn trust and deliver resultsThis role is ideal for a leader who values precision credibility and mentorship as much as impact Position Overview The Vice President Forensic Engineering serves as a senior technical authority responsible for guiding complex forensic investigations ensuring quality and defensibility of engineering deliverables and providing expert testimony in high stakes matters This role emphasizes technical oversight quality assurance and thought leadership while supporting strategic growth and development of practice Day in the Life In this role you operate as both a technical anchor and trusted advisor You may be reviewing and strengthening an expert report to ensure every conclusion is supported and defensible consulting with a team on investigative approach or testing strategy or weighing in on complex failure mechanisms where the path forward isnt immediately clear You collaborate closely with engineers across disciplines guiding analysis challenging assumptions and reinforcing engineering rigor You also engage directly with clients and legal teams clarifying findings aligning on strategy and preparing for depositions or testimony Throughout it all you mentor developing engineers shaping how they think communicate and uphold standards At the same time you help the practice grow by reinforcing credibility supporting key client relationships and ensuring every deliverable reflects the quality Stress is known for

Key Responsibilities

Technical Authority & Quality Oversight Serve as a senior technical reviewer and authority on forensic investigations ensuring work is accurate defensible and aligned with engineering fundamentalsOversee root cause and failure analyses across mechanical structural materials and industrial systemsOversee multiple high priority projects of varying size and complexity ensuring exceptional quality consistency timeliness and adherence to technical standardsEnsure evidence based methodologies proper documentation and adherence to professional and regulatory standardsEstablish and reinforce best practices for forensic investigations reporting and expert testimonyForensic Investigation & Testimony Provide leadership and oversight on cause and origin investigations often involving equipment failures structural issues industrial incidents or product performanceDirect hands on field investigations including cause and origin assessments engineering analyses testing strategies and equipment or system disassembly to uncover critical findings as needed for complex or high risk mattersServe as a testifying expert including depositions expert reports and courtroom testimonyTranslate complex engineering findings into clear credible and persuasive conclusions for legal and non technical audiencesMentorship & Technical Development Mentor engineers in engineering judgment failure analysis and technical communicationConduct detailed technical reviews providing coaching that elevates both individual and team performanceFoster a culture of accountability precision and continuous learningPractice Leadership & Collaboration Partner with leadership to ensure consistent technical standards and quality control across projectsSupport strategic client engagements by reinforcing credibility and technical depthCollaborate across disciplines to solve complex multidisciplinary engineering problems

Qualifications

Masters degree in mechanical civilstructural materials chemical or related engineering field PhD preferredStrong command of engineering fundamentals and failure analysis methodologies10 years of experience in forensic consulting failure analysis or related fieldsDemonstrated expert witness and testimony experienceRegistered Professional Engineer PE preferred or requiredExceptional written and verbal communication skillsAbility to travel as needed for fieldwork and client engagements

Why Join SES

Solve problems that matter Your work directly impacts product performance safety and reliabilityHigh autonomy high ownership Youre trusted to lead and deliverBroad technical exposure Work across industries materials and challengesCollaborate with experts Learn from recognized leaders in engineering and failure analysisEntrepreneurial environment Be part of a team that values initiative curiosity and innovationEmployee owned culture ESOP Share in the success you help createThought Leadership Youll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful engineering insights share your expertise with the broader industry and build credibility as a trusted technical voiceWhats in it for you At Stress Engineering curiosity isnt just encouragedits expected Youll have the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise broaden your industry exposure and make a meaningful impact on real world engineering challenges from day one We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical dental and vision coverage paid time off and holidays Your compensation is thoughtfully aligned with your experience expertise and the value you bring to the team Own your impact Build your future Here employee ownership is more than a benefitits part of our culture The work you do today contributes to long term success that you share in alongside a team that values collaboration innovation and accountability Were built for stability and growth where your technical skills and problem solving directly influence outcomesnot just for individual projects but for the future of the company If youre driven by meaningful work a strong team and the opportunity to think like an owner youll thrive at Stress Engineering

Recruitment Process Disclosure

As part of your candidacy and potential future employment you agree to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary sensitive and client related information obtained through interactions with SES This obligation applies during and after your engagement As part of our hiring process Stress Engineering Services may use technology tools including automated tools to help organize review or evaluate application materials and interview related information These tools are used to support our recruiting process but hiring decisions are not made solely by technology If you need would like to request a reasonable accommodation or would like additional information about the process please contact HumanResourcesStresscom Where applicable required by law we will provide additional notices if a specific tool analyzes interview responses assessments or other information as part of your evaluation

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stress Engineering Services Inc SES is an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics pregnancy disability age veteran status or other protected characteristics