Forensic Electrical Engineer / Consultant

Association for Facilities Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus opportunities

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Continuing education and professional

Development

Professional association memberships

Company-paid certifications

Travel reimbursement

Company-provided equipment

Job summary

Fire Research & Technology seeks a Forensic Electrical Consultant to investigate electrical failures across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. You will conduct on-site investigations, determine ignition sources, and prepare detailed technical reports for insurance claims and litigation.

You’ll join a national team of fire investigators and engineers, with access to advanced labs and CT imaging, digital X-ray, and microscopy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required; master's preferred for advanced roles.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems and failure analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel within assigned territory.
• Ability to work safely in fire scenes and industrial environments.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site forensic investigations and fire scene examinations.
• Determine origin of electrical failures and identify ignition sources.
• Examine electrical systems, appliances, wiring, and components.
• Perform laboratory-based failure analysis using advanced technologies.
• Collect, preserve, and document evidence for reports.
• Prepare detailed technical reports for claims and litigation.
• Collaborate with fire investigators, engineers, and lab staff.
• Provide expert opinions and testimony when required.

Skills

Electrical systems knowledge

Failure analysis

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Safety in fires

Manual lifting up to 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Help Solve the 'Why.'
Fire Research & Technology (FRT) is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems in the real world.

Our engineers investigate fires, electrical failures, product defects, and equipment malfunctions for insurance companies, attorneys, manufacturers, and commercial clients throughout the United States. Every assignment is different, requiring scientific analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly.

If you enjoy failure analysis, field investigations, forensic engineering, and working alongside nationally recognized fire investigators, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As a Forensic Electrical Consultant, you'll investigate electrical failures in residential, commercial, industrial, and heavy equipment environments by:

• Conducting on-site forensic investigations and fire scene examinations
• Determining the origin of electrical failures and identifying potential ignition sources
• Examining electrical systems, appliances, wiring, and components
• Performing laboratory-based failure analysis utilizing advanced technologies including CT imaging and microscopy
• Collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence
• Preparing detailed technical reports suitable for insurance claims and litigation
• Collaborating with fire investigators, mechanical engineers, and laboratory personnel
• Providing expert opinions and, when required, testimony in legal proceedings

What We're Looking For

Required

Resources Available to You

You’ll have access to industry‑leading resources including:

• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory services
• Industrial CT scanning
• Digital X-ray imaging
• Advanced microscopy
• Matterport 3D scene documentation
• Drone mapping technology
• Collaborative team of fire investigators, engineers, and laboratory specialists
• Our engineers work on high‑profile losses across the country while enjoying the support of an experienced team committed to technical excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Continuing education and professional development
• Professional association memberships
• Company-paid certifications
• Travel reimbursement
• Company-provided equipment

Join Our Team
If you’re an engineer who enjoys solving technically challenging failures and making a meaningful impact through science, we’d like to hear from you.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (Master's preferred)
• Strong understanding of electrical systems and failure analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel throughout assigned territory
• Ability to safely work in fire scenes and industrial environments
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) License
• Experience in forensic engineering
• Fire investigation experience
• Expert witness experience
• Knowledge of NFPA 921
• Experience with industrial, commercial, or residential electrical systems

Why Join FRT?

At Fire Research & Technology, we combine cutting‑edge technology with scientific investigation to deliver defensible forensic conclusions.