Forensic Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) - Memphis OR Nashville, TN

Rimkus Consulting Group; Bartlett (TN); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role focuses on providing expert forensic consulting services, including failure analysis and vehicle accident reconstruction. The ideal candidate will leverage their mechanical engineering expertise to investigate incidents, analyze data, and prepare comprehensive reports. With a commitment to growth and inclusivity, this firm offers a supportive work environment and a competitive benefits package. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Matching

Bonus Opportunities

Opportunities for Advancement

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on forensic consulting.
• Strong technical writing and analytical skills are essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Conduct failure analysis and forensic investigations for mechanical systems.
• Reconstruct vehicular accidents and prepare detailed reports of findings.

Skills

Technical Writing

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Attention to Detail

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

PE Certification

ACTAR Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Applications

Computer-Aided Engineering Software

Job description

Forensic Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) - Memphis OR Nashville, TN

Job Category: Consulting Professional

Requisition Number: MECHA004564

Posted: April 8, 2025

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

Locations

Memphis Area Office
8420 Wolf Lake Drive
Suite 110
Bartlett, TN 38133, USA

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!

Overview

We are currently seeking an additional experienced Mechanical Engineer, preferably with vehicle accident reconstruction experience, to support operations in the Memphis/Nashville areas.

In this position, the Mechanical Engineer will apply their technical knowledge to provide failure analysis and forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients, and in the performance of vehicle accident reconstruction including investigating the failures involving vehicle systems (brakes, transmission, throttle, steering, etc.)

Essential Job Functions

Forensic Engineering

• Performs failure analysis and forensic assignments within the field of mechanical engineering expertise based on a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
• Investigates how and why an incident occurred, including identifying the origin, failure mechanism, and root cause of the incident, as well as the role of the mechanical system in question.
• Inspects sites/products/equipment/systems; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions, determines cause and origin of damage; performs site surveys with total station survey, scanners, drones, and other means of 3D documentation; performs mechanical engineering calculations; prepares CAD-based and manual sketches as required; orders and evaluates required laboratory testing and performs analyses.
• Reviews and interprets relevant codes, standards, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, peer-reviewed literature, data logs, and other documentation to evaluate the compliance of the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the subject product, equipment, or system.
• Conducts various analyses including, but not limited to, industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure; product liability, and design and safety.
• Provides support on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment.
• Initiates, develops, and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.

Vehicle Accident Reconstruction

• Reconstructing vehicular accidents using analysis, CAE-based tools, and test data where appropriate.
• Responsibility will include analyzing single and multiple vehicle collisions, performing damage analysis, speed analysis, roadway drag factors or coefficient of friction of roadway, perception and response times, lamp analysis, time-distance relationships, occupant kinematics, vehicle dynamics, braking efficiency of air brake systems on commercial motor vehicles and possibly intersection traffic signal analysis.
• The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist will perform timely, accurate analysis, prepare reports, and present your findings to the client.
• The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist will also prepare and present demonstrative diagrams and charts and provide an analysis of the cause of various incidents.
• Work involves documenting and preserving evidence, preparing written reports of findings, and providing expert testimony in litigation as necessary.
• Provide collision scene evidence analysis and forensic mapping of collision sites and vehicles.
• Evaluate cars, trucks, tractors, or other various forms of transportation.
• Performing damage analysis, speeds from damage (energy), coefficient of friction of roadway, time and distance relationships, lamp analysis, occupant kinematics, vehicle dynamics, perception and response times, braking efficiency of air brake systems on commercial motor vehicles, and possibly intersection traffic signal analysis.
• Inspect and analyze automotive or mechanical parts to determine the cause of failure.
• Analyze product liability, design, and safety.
• Perform other Engineering duties as requested.

Required Experience, Education, and Certifications

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree or higher.
• PE Required.
• 8+ years of experience.
• Must have strong technical writing skills.
• ACTAR certification must be obtained within first year.
• You must be able to gain P.E. reciprocity in additional states as needed.
• Physically able to climb ladders, walk on uneven and unleveled surfaces, enter and work in confined spaces, crawl under vehicles to inspect damage.
• Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience required Strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

• You must be able to manage several investigations simultaneously, so organizational skills, effective time management, and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential.
• Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external).
• Report writing skills are crucial to success.
• Independent Judgement; strong analytical skills.
• Speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial.
• Must possess the mental aptitude, cognition, concentration, and state of mind necessary to perform job duties.
• Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
• Ability to clearly and coherently write scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements

Physical Demands

While performing this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. Must be able to perform field inspections, physically move debris, inspect vehicles (commercial and tractor-trailer), and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.

Overtime

This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with in order to meet the demands of the position.

Travel Requirements

This position requires up to 25% local/regional travel. Out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employee and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.