Fire Consultant - Philadelphia

Salas O'Brien; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Company holidays

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Salas O’Brien is seeking a Fire Consultant for the Philadelphia, PA area in a hybrid role. You will investigate and evaluate the origin and cause of fires and explosions.

The position offers a base salary range of $90,000–$130,000 plus bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more. The firm emphasizes career growth and collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• Experience in fire investigation and origin‑and‑cause analyses expected.
• Familiar with NFPA 1033/921 and industry practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of insurance policies, subrogation, and liability issues.
• Willingness to travel and work in the Philadelphia area.
• Must not have been disqualified as an expert witness; no disciplinary actions.

Responsibilities

• Determine origin and cause of fires and explosions.
• Conduct scene examinations and debris removal.
• Interview witnesses and fire department personnel.
• Collect public records and conduct product research.
• Communicate opinions verbally and in writing.
• Testify in depositions or court.
• Meet with current and potential clients, including insurers and legal teams.

Skills

Experience on the private side

Insurance policy knowledge

Subrogation and liability

Communication skills

NFPA 1033/921 knowledge

Testimony experience

Expert witness eligibility

Disciplinary actions awareness

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

College degree

Job description

Fire Consultant, Philadelphia, PA

At Haag, a Salas O’Brien company, we’ve been a trusted leader in forensic engineering and consulting since 1924, helping clients solve complex, high-stakes problems when it matters most. We’re known for technical excellence, integrity, and clear, defensible conclusions. We’re equally committed to building a career environment where talented consultants can do their best work, grow their expertise, and make a real impact.

In June 2024, Haag merged with Salas O’Brien, expanding what’s possible for our team. Haag remains focused on forensic engineering, and we now offer the added strength of a broader, employee‑owned organization. This brings deeper technical resources, expanded collaboration, and more opportunities to build your career across a wide range of disciplines and industries.

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee‑owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We are engineered for impact, and we bring that same commitment to our people as we do to our projects. We live our values every day: Inspire, Achieve, and Connect, as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for energy, manufacturing and industrial process, data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high‑rise buildings, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to deliver outstanding client outcomes and build long‑term careers.

Job Summary:

We’re seeking a Fire Consultant in the Philadelphia, PA area. In this hybrid role, you will investigate and evaluate the origin and cause of fires and explosions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Significant Job Responsibilities

Daily operations shall include but are not limited to the following:

• Determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions
• Performing scene examinations, including debris removal/sifting and scene reconstruction
• Interviewing witnesses, fire department personnel, and investigating officials
• Collecting public records and conducting product research
• Effectively communicating opinions verbally and in writing
• Testifying in depositions and/or court
• Meeting with current and potential clients, including insurance and legal industry personnel

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience on the private side preferred
• Familiarity with and understanding of the insurance policy
• Knowledgeable about subrogation and liability issues
• Excellent communication skills and practices, both verbal and written
• Strong understanding of NFPA 1033 and 921, and how they relate to our industry
• Testimony experience preferred
• Must not have been disqualified as an expert witness
• No disciplinary actions or revocation of professional licenses

Certification

• Nationally recognized origin and cause certification (IAAI-CFI or NAFI-CFEI) required

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Must be willing and able to clear fire/explosion debris, reconstruct the scene, and examine building systems at heights or in confined spaces, dark enclosed areas, excessive heat, and soot‑filled environment
• Must be capable of digging, bending, and lifting, as well as moving and loading heavy or bulky objects
• Must be able to work in inclement weather
• Must be willing to work additional hours as needed during peak times

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent, required. College degree, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficient with PC applications

Location

• Remote – Philadelphia, PA area

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $90,000 – $130,000 (depending upon experience) plus bonus
• In addition to the base salary, the compensation plan includes additional, nondiscretionary compensation based on billable productivity above a minimum threshold.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For More Information, Visit Our Full Benefits Overview Here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability‑related needs of applicants as required by law.