Railway Systems Engineer - Forensic Investigator

Robson Forensic, Inc.; Lancaster (Lancaster County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Robson Forensic is seeking a Railway Systems Engineering Forensic Expert with 15+ years of passenger rail experience and a PE license (preferred). You will delve into the "why" behind incidents, assess decisions, and examine procedures across rail operations and infrastructure.

Based in Dublin, OH or Lancaster, PA with hybrid work, you will analyze, draft technically sound reports, and provide testimony, collaborating with other experts while traveling for inspections.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hands-on passenger rail systems experience.
• P.E. license preferred; active licensure advantageous.
• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Experience across design, construction, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance in rail.

Responsibilities

• Investigate railway systems incidents.
• Analyze procedures using standards and practices.
• Write clear, scientifically sound reports.
• Provide expert testimony.
• Translate technical findings for non-technical audiences.

Skills

Technical writing

Analytical thinking

Communication

Technical knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

You have 15+ years of passenger rail systems experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. You have significant employment experience with a passenger railroad, and/or a consulting engineering firm with a focus on the railroad industry.

As a Railway Systems Engineering Forensic Expert, You Will

• Investigate railway systems incidents.
• Analyze railway systems procedures, applying your comprehensive knowledge of standards and practices.
• Write clear, scientifically sound reports.
• Provide expert testimony.

Role

You will delve into the "why" behind incidents, critically assessing decision‑making, operational procedures, and the standard of care. This role offers you a chance to:

• Use your cumulative training, experience, and critical thinking skills.
• Collaborate with highly respected experts.
• Continuously learn and grow.
• Make a tangible difference.

Locations:

Dublin, OH &Lancaster, PA (hybrid)

Requirements

• Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience: 15+ years of hands‑on passenger rail systems experience (additional freight experience is a plus).
• Depth of experience should include some combination of consulting design work, construction, manufacturing, engineering, operations, and/or maintenance of rail operations, rail infrastructure, and/or rolling stock.
• Breadth of experience should include a working knowledge of some combination of mainline track, rail yards, sidings, stations (above & below grade), terminals, grade crossings, tunnels, bridges, switches, signal systems, power systems (overhead catenary, third‑rail), locomotives (diesel, diesel/electric, or electric power), passenger cars, transit cars, freight cars, maintenance‑of‑way cars/vehicles, rolling stock maintenance, facilities maintenance, maintenance‑of‑way, Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA), railroad worker safety, track safety, passenger safety, etc.
• Skills: Excellent technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Aptitude: Strong ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, objective evidence for non‑technical audiences.
• Work Style: Approximately 20% travel for inspections; the remainder is focused on analysis and report drafting, working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Prior forensic experience is not required. We seek professionals eager to apply their deep industry knowledge to a challenging new domain.

You must have a clean background screen, a driver’s license, and the ability to drive.

About Us

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.

Employees at Robson Forensic work alongside highly respected experts from both industry and academia. Our forensic experts are engaged in meaningful casework that is consequential to industry and society. Robson Forensic provides a unique working dynamic that blends collaboration and autonomy.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.