Mechanical Engineer/Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist - Minneapolis

Rimkus; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A national forensic engineering firm in Minneapolis is hiring an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support forensic consulting services, particularly in vehicle accident reconstruction. Candidates must have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a PE license, and substantial experience in forensic analysis. The role involves investigations, report writing, and client interactions, offering a competitive salary range based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a related field required.
• Must have project management and field investigation experience.
• Physically able to perform field inspections and climb ladders.

Responsibilities

• Perform failure analysis and forensic assignments in mechanical engineering.
• Investigate incidents to determine causes and mechanisms.
• Conduct vehicle accident reconstructions and analyses.

Skills

Organizational skills

Effective time management

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Technical writing

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree or higher

PE certification

ACTAR certification (within first year)

Tools

Microsoft Office Applications

CAE-based tools

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking an additional experienced Mechanical Engineer, preferably with vehicle accident reconstruction experience, to support operations in the Minneapolis area.

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.
• Analyzes single and multiple vehicle collisions, performs 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.
• Performs timely, accurate analysis, prepares reports, and presents findings to the client.
• Prepares and presents demonstrative diagrams and charts and provides an analysis of the cause of various incidents.
• Documents and preserves evidence, prepares written reports of findings, and provides expert testimony in litigation as necessary.
• Provides collision scene evidence analysis and forensic mapping of collision sites and vehicles.
• Evaluates cars, trucks, tractors, or other forms of transportation.
• Performs 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.
• Inspects and analyzes automotive or mechanical parts to determine the cause of failure.
• Analyzes product liability, design, and safety.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Required Experience, Education, and Certifications

• 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.

The Salary Range for this position is $83,300 - $124,900 and is dependent on education, experience, location and certifications/licensure.

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 Employer 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.

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.