Forensic Electrical Engineer, Houston or Dallas, TX

Salas O'Brien; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Haag, a Salas O’Brien company, seeks a Forensic Electrical Engineer to join our team in a remote/home-office capacity. The role investigates root causes of electrical failures across residential, commercial, and industrial settings, with a focus on delivering defensible reports.

Requires 5–10 years in electrical systems and forensic engineering, PE license, and strong writing/communication skills; travel may be involved. Base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience working with or designing electrical systems.
• Forensic engineering experience strongly preferred.
• Experience investigating electrical failures, fires, or explosions.
• Expert witness experience, including depositions and trial testimony, preferred.
• Strong technical writing skills; ability to produce clear, defensible reports is critical.
• Strong verbal communication and client service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency with technical tools (computers, cameras, and engineering software).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Forensic Investigations: Conduct field inspections to determine the origin, cause, and extent of electrical failures, including fires, explosions, and system malfunctions.
• Analysis & Reporting: Develop clear, well-supported conclusions and produce comprehensive technical reports and documentation.
• Client Communication: Provide timely, professional updates to clients, attorneys, insurers, and internal stakeholders; manage expectations and maintain strong relationships.
• Collaboration & Independence: Work independently from a home office while leveraging internal expertise and resources across disciplines.
• Project Ownership: Drive investigations through completion, ensuring high-quality deliverables that meet client expectations and industry standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas to enhance processes, tools, and technical approaches to improve client outcomes.

Skills

5–10 years experience

Forensic engineering experience

Electrical failures investigations

Expert witness experience

Technical writing skills

Verbal communication

Independent work

Engineering software proficiency

Work authorization in U.S.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering preferred

Tools

Cameras

Engineering software

Job description

Forensic Electrical Engineer, Houston, TX or Dallas Fort Worth, TX

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 engineers 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 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 more.

Job Summary

We’re seeking a Forensic Electrical Engineer to join our team in the Houston, TX or Dallas Fort Worth, TX. In this remote/home office role, you will investigate and evaluate the root cause and extent of failures and damage involving electrical systems, components, and devices across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Forensic Investigations: Conduct field inspections to determine the origin, cause, and extent of electrical failures, including fires, explosions, and system malfunctions.


• Analysis & Reporting: Develop clear, well-supported conclusions and produce comprehensive technical reports and documentation.


• Client Communication: Provide timely, professional updates to clients, attorneys, insurers, and internal stakeholders; manage expectations and maintain strong relationships.


• Collaboration & Independence: Work independently from a home office while leveraging internal expertise and resources across disciplines.


• Project Ownership: Drive investigations through completion, ensuring high-quality deliverables that meet client expectations and industry standards.


• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas to enhance processes, tools, and technical approaches to improve client outcomes.

Experience

Qualifications and Experience

• 5–10 years of experience working with or designing electrical systems.


• Forensic engineering experience strongly preferred.


• Experience investigating electrical failures, fires, or explosions.


• Expert witness experience, including depositions and trial testimony, preferred.


• Strong technical writing skills; ability to produce clear, defensible reports is critical.


• Strong verbal communication and client service skills.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.


• Proficiency with technical tools (computers, cameras, and engineering software).


• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Licensure & Certifications

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.


• Additional state licenses or ability to obtain via reciprocity preferred.


• CFEI (NAFI), CFI, or related certifications preferred.


• NCEES Record preferred.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to perform field investigations, including inspections in confined spaces, rooftops, and industrial environments.


• Ability to transport equipment and conduct site assessments safely.


• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed, including occasional overnight travel.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university required.


• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering preferred.

Location

• Remote (home office) – U.S.-based (major metro areas preferred)

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $120,000 – $170,000


• Additional nondiscretionary compensation tied to billable productivity


• Opportunity to transition to a productivity-based compensation model over time

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

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k) with company match


• Paid time off and company holidays


• Life, disability, and AD&D coverage


• Health savings account and wellness resources


• Professional development and training through Haag Education and Certification programs

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, consistent with applicable laws.

Third-Party Agency Notice

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies. Submissions without an active agreement will not be eligible for placement fees.