Mechanical Engineer (MEP) - Forensic Investigator

Robson Forensic, Inc.; Lancaster (Lancaster County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Robson Forensic is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Engineer to join our expert team in a hybrid role based in Lancaster, PA (travel to Las Vegas and Dublin as needed).

You will investigate mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing incidents, analyze complex systems, and produce clear, scientifically grounded reports. Licensure as a P.E. is required; we hire for deep industry knowledge and teach the rest.

Qualifications

• Active P.E. license required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.E./B.S.) from an accredited program.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in startup, commissioning, maintenance, or operation of Mechanical, HVAC, and Plumbing Systems.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC incidents.
• Analyze engineering procedures, applying knowledge of standards and practices.
• Write clear, scientifically sound reports.
• Provide expert testimony.

Skills

Technical writing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Mechanical engineering knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

You are already an expert. Robson Forensic will train you to be a forensic expert.

You are a Professional Engineer (P.E.) with a Mechanical Engineering degree and 10 or more years of experience in startup, commissioning, maintenance, or operation of Mechanical, HVAC, and Plumbing Systems. You have a broad understanding of mechanical building systems, industrial process systems, and fire protection.

This role asks you to bring that same set of skills to a different challenge: determining why an incident occurred. You will work alongside nationally respected experts on casework that is consequential to industry and society, and you will keep learning for the rest of your career.

Prior forensic experience is not required. We hire for deep industry knowledge and teach the rest.

What You Will Do

• Investigate mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC incidents.


• Analyze engineering procedures, applying your comprehensive knowledge of standards and practices.


• Write clear, scientifically sound reports.


• Provide expert testimony.

Typical cases include system benchmarking disputes, project delays, cost overruns, environmental contamination, or property damage related to the release of water or other chemicals. Personal injury casework varies, but often includes scalding injuries, carbon monoxide poisonings, or exposures to hazardous materials.

It is extremely challenging work, but also an intellectually thrilling and rewarding experience.

What We Require

• Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.


• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering


• Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience in startup, commissioning, maintenance, or operation of Mechanical, HVAC, and Plumbing Systems, including the design, review, and assessment of facilities/building systems.


• Knowledge: Thorough working knowledge of mechanical building systems, industrial process systems, and fire protection.


• Skills: Excellent technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills.


• Aptitude: Strong ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, objective evidence for non-technical audiences.


• Other: Aclean background screen, a driver’s license, and the ability to drive.

Work Style

Approximately 20% of the role is travel for training and inspections. The remainder is analysis and report writing, working independently and as part of a collaborative team. Our experts offer and receive support/mentoring in a firm with over 100 scientists, engineers, and other professionals and manage a portfolio of 50-70 projects/clients.

Locations

Las Vegas, NV, Dublin, OH, Lancaster, PA (hybrid)

About Robson Forensic

Robson Forensic is a national leader in expert witness consulting, providing technical expertise across many fields within engineering, architecture, science, and a broad range of specialty disciplines. Our experts come from both industry and academia, and the work blends collaboration with autonomy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.