Forensic Mechanical Engineer

The Third Group; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) plan

PTO & holidays

Training & certification support

Hybrid / WFH options

Job summary

The Third Group is seeking a Forensic Mechanical Engineer in the Indianapolis area to deliver failure analysis and specialized technical consulting across insurance, legal, industrial, and commercial sectors. You will investigate product defects, personal injury claims, and property damage involving mechanical systems, and generate detailed investigative reports along with expert witness testimony.

Responsibilities include on-site inspections, CAD modeling, testing coordination, and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 2–10+ years in engineering related to mechanical systems.
• Proven ability in project management and field investigations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct failure analysis and root-cause determinations for mechanical incidents.
• Perform on-site inspections and data collection with advanced tools.
• Develop CAD-based schematics and coordinate lab testing.
• Provide expert testimony and client guidance when needed.
• Support multidisciplinary incident investigations and risk assessments.

Skills

Project management

Field investigations

Analytical reasoning

Technical reporting

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA

Job description

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Location: Indianapolis, IN Metropolitan Area

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled Forensic Mechanical Engineer to deliver failure analysis and specialized technical consulting services across the insurance, legal, industrial, and commercial sectors. This position investigates product defects, personal injury claims, and property damage involving industrial machinery, heavy equipment, HVAC units, plumbing networks, fire suppression systems, and complex mechanical installations. The engineer generates detailed investigative reports, offers client guidance, and delivers objective expert witness testimony during legal proceedings.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Failure Analysis & Root Cause Determination: Conduct methodical investigations into mechanical incidents to uncover failure mechanisms, pinpoint root causes, and evaluate the specific contribution of subject equipment or mechanical components within predetermined budgets and project parameters.
• On-Site & Technical Inspections: Perform site assessments, inspect damaged machinery, execute electronic data downloads from commercial/non-commercial equipment, and utilize advanced spatial capture technologies (such as 3D laser scanners, total station surveying units, and drones) to record field conditions.
• Testing, Computations & Modeling: Apply core engineering formulas, produce CAD-based and manual technical schematics, coordinate laboratory testing procedures, and analyze laboratory results.
• Code Compliance & Literature Review: Analyze governing building codes, manufacturing standards, design specifications, technical schematics, data logs, and peer-reviewed literature to assess design, installation, operational, and maintenance compliance.
• Multidisciplinary Incident Support: Evaluate product liability claims, machine design defects, and industrial safety compliance; assist on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical components or fuel systems.
• Client & Case Management: Build and maintain strong ongoing professional relationships across a varied client base while offering expert technical guidance.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or higher in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is required.
• Minimum of 2 to 10+ years of engineering experience encompassing product evaluation, machine design, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, or related mechanical systems.
• Proven track record in project management and hands-on field investigations is required.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Superior diagnostic skills with meticulous attention to detail—capable of evaluating complex technical data, establishing factual timelines, and reaching defensible conclusions.
• Proficiency in translating intricate mechanical engineering principles into understandable concepts for executive leaders, legal teams, insurance professionals, public forums, and juries.
• Demonstrated capability in drafting clear scopes of work, cost estimates, project timelines, proposals, and comprehensive expert reports.
• Familiarity with office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and computer-assisted engineering/design tools (e.g., CAD, FEA, or simulation applications).
• Competency in reading, interpreting, and applying guidance from legal documents, scientific journals, financial logs, and technical manuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORKING CONDITIONS & TRAVEL

• Work Environment: Hybrid position balance between office-based analytical reporting and active field assessments at accident sites, industrial plants, and commercial facilities.
• Physical Demands: Requires walking, standing, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, entering constrained spaces, driving a motor vehicle, and lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Acuity: Sharp cognitive awareness, clear vision, and spatial depth perception are critical during field inspections, client meetings, and courtroom testimony.
• Schedule & Overtime: Full-time exempt position. Standard core operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour meal period. Flexibility to work overtime is required to meet urgent case demands.
• Travel Expectations: Up to 25% regional travel, including occasional overnight stays.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Employer-provided Life and AD&D coverage, voluntary supplemental options, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies
• Retirement: 401(k) / IRA plans
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) covering vacation, personal sick leave, and company-recognized holidays; Family Leave (Maternity/Paternity)
• Paid training, continuing education assistance, and certification support
• Workplace Flexibility: Hybrid / Work-From-Home opportunities