Forensic Mechanical Engineer, US

Salas O’Brien, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and company holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

Salas O’Brien, Inc. is seeking an experienced Forensic Mechanical Engineer to work remotely from a home office in the United States.

You will investigate and evaluate root causes and extent of failures in HVAC and MEP systems, BMS/BAS, fire protection, and related mechanical failures. The role requires PE licensure, 5–10 years of relevant design/forensic experience, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to deliver clear, defensible reports while traveling locally, regionally,

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license in your state or eligible by reciprocity
• 5–10 years designing and working with mechanical equipment and systems incl. HVAC/MEP
• At least 5 years of forensic engineering experience preferred
• Ability to work independently with cross-functional experts
• Strong technical writing and report writing skills
• Excellent verbal communication and client service
• Proficiency with industry software; willingness to travel
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• CFI (IAAI) and/or CFEI (NAFI) certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Investigate root cause and extent of failures in HVAC, MEP, BAS/BMS, and related mechanical systems
• Evaluate building management and fire protection systems
• Prepare clear, defensible professional reports for clients
• Collaborate with cross-functional experts and clients to determine facts and conclusions

Skills

Licensed P.E.

Forensic Engineering

HVAC/MEP

Technical writing

Communication skills

Customer service

Field travel

Independent work

Expert witness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

AtHaag, 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 June2024, 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 an experienced Forensic Mechanical Engineer located in any major us market. Working remotely from your home office, you will investigate and evaluate the root cause and extent of failures and damage to HVAC and MEP systems, building management systems (BMS), building automation systems (BAS), fire protection and fire alarm systems, and will assess various other types of mechanical failures.

Qualifications:

• You must be a licensed P.E. in your state of residence or eligible by reciprocity. Additional active licensures in the surrounding states are highly desirable.
• 5-10 years of on-the-job experience designing / working with mechanical equipment and systems in a variety of residential, commercial and industrial settings, including HVAC and MEP systems is required.
• At least 5 years of forensic engineering experience is strongly preferred.
• Must be able to work independently and with a cross-functional team of experts.
• Strong technical writing skills are required; the ability to write effective reports is critical.
• Strong verbal skills are necessary; you should be an effective communicator in face-to-face interactions.
• The ability to provide the utmost in customer service to our clients is a must.
• Technical proficiency with computers, phones, cameras, etc. and with industry-related software applications is necessary.
• Expert witness experience is expected.
• You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or any restrictions.
• CFI (IAAI) and/or CFEI (NAFI) certification(s) are strongly preferred.

Licensure:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in your state of residence or eligible by reciprocity.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Ability to perform fieldwork, including confined spaces and working at heights.
• Must be able to carry ladders and operate required equipment.
• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally by vehicle or plane as needed.
• Some overnight travel will be required.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university is required.
• A Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering is highly desirable.

Location:

• Remote (home office) – US - Any major market.
• Base salary range: $100,000 – $180,000 per year.
• In addition to the base salary, the compensation plan includes additional, nondiscretionary compensation based on billable productivity above a minimum threshold. Employees may elect at any time to transition to a model based primarily on a higher percentage of their billable rate applied to all billable hours worked. In practice, most employees choose to transition between approximately one and three years, once their billable hours support consistently higher earnings under this model.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensiveU.S. basedbenefits package, including:

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

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, colour, 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.

Third-Party Agency Notice
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering.

Preferred

Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering.

Experience

Preferred

5 years

At least 5 years of forensic engineering experience is strongly preferred

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Professional Engineer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.