Mechanical Field Forensic Engineer

DONAN; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Relocation package available

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401K with match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

Donan Engineering in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a full-time Field Forensic Engineer I with a Mechanical Engineering background to join our team. You will manage multiple forensic projects, serve as Engineer of Record for Associates, and provide unbiased analysis on failures while traveling as needed and maintaining client commitments.

Compensation starts between $100k-$120k annually with a comprehensive benefits package, ongoing professional development, relocation support, and a path for growth

Qualifications

• Active registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of application.
• Willing to obtain additional state licensures as required.
• Experience licensed in multiple states preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Previous forensic experience preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willing to travel domestically.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert forensic analysis to clients on a variety of engineering projects.
• Serve as an Engineer of Record for Associate Engineers.
• Provide honest and unbiased analysis and consultation on various failures.
• May be required to provide appraisals on structures and equipment as needed.
• Travel within the standard regional boundaries and occasionally to other regions.
• Write and submit detailed and accurate reports on completed projects in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Donan’s customers to provide timelines and project updates on a consistent basis.
• Provide expert testimony and/or depositions as needed.
• Work a flexible schedule and additional hours during peak business demand.
• Pursue additional training, mentoring opportunities, and additional education or certifications.

Skills

P.E. License

Strong communication skills

Travel readiness

Hands-on fieldwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering

Job description

Donan Engineering is a leader in the property insurance intelligence industry. We are looking for a full‑time Field Forensic Engineer with a background in Mechanical Engineering to join our growing team in Los Angeles, CA. The CTL Field Forensic Engineer I (FE‑I) focuses on completing forensic engineering projects, ensuring they meet firm standards, client commitments, and budgetary constraints. The engineer will manage several concurrent projects and report to the CTL Engineering Manager.

Our work is guided by our core values:

• We do what we say we will do.
• We respect and care for all.
• We are focused on innovation.
• We make hard things easy.
• We are driven to achieve.
• We are better together.

What Does Donan Offer You?

• Competitive Compensation Package (base salary starting between $100k-$120k annually)
• Unlimited Compensatory Paid Time
• Career Growth
• A Diverse & Positive Work Environment
• Professional Development
• Generous Relocation Package Available
• Employee Referral Bonus
• License and Continuing Education Reimbursement
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Coverage
• 401K with Match
• HSA and HRA (Employer contributions)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• All Equipment Provided (company vehicle, laptop, etc.)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off and Holidays

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert forensic analysis to clients on a variety of engineering projects.
• Serve as an Engineer of Record for Associate Engineers.
• Provide honest and unbiased analysis and consultation on various failures.
• May be required to provide appraisals on structures and equipment as needed.
• Travel within the standard regional boundaries and occasionally to other regions.
• Consistently meet or exceed established performance metrics.
• Write and submit detailed and accurate reports on completed projects in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Donan’s customers to provide timelines and project updates on a consistent basis.
• Provide expert testimony and/or depositions as needed.
• Work a flexible schedule and additional hours during periods of peak business demand.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Pursue additional training, mentoring opportunities, and additional education or certifications for advancement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Active registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of application. Multiple active state P.E. licensures are highly preferred.
• Willing to obtain additional state licensures as required. Company typically pays associated fees.
• Eligible to obtain NCEES record in a reasonable amount of time.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Previous forensic experience preferred but not required.
• Previous expert testimony or deposition experience preferred but not required.
• Adaptable with aptitude and willingness to learn new skills and techniques.
• Highly organized with the ability to deliver fast and accurate turnaround times.
• Able to handle multiple projects and periods of high stress during peak business demand.
• Complete a minimum of two hours annually of specialized litigation training.
• Hands‑on engineering experience in structural, mechanical or electrical investigations preferred.
• Willing to climb roofs, crawl in tight spaces, and perform other hands‑on tasks.
• Perform projects unless hazards identified using Donan’s Safety Protocol guidelines and JSA’s.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team oriented and service‑oriented.
• Superior customer service skills.
• High computer and technical proficiency.
• Conduct business in an honest and ethical manner at all times.
• Experience writing detailed reports preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Excellent overall computer skills.
• Willing to travel and work a flexible schedule during peak demand periods.
• Ability to work efficiently with little or no supervision.
• Willingness to work remotely and from a home office.
• Pass pre‑employment physical examination standards.
• Reliable high‑speed internet in the remote office.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand for prolonged periods.
• Frequently required to lift and/or move objects weighing 50–100 lbs.
• Frequently required to climb onto first and second story roofs, ascend/descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or ramps.
• Frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects.
• Frequently required to drive a vehicle for extended periods.

Related Experience

Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Management, Residential Construction, Residential Design.

Internal Title: Forensic Engineer

To Learn More About Us Visit Donan.com.

Donan is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are an E‑Verify participating employer.