Senior Consultant

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi); Illinois; On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

401k with employer match

Pet Insurance

Competitive salary with bonus programs

Flexible Time Off

10 paid holidays

Work/Life Balance

Wellness Reimbursement

Career Growth & Continuing education

Job summary

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is seeking an experienced forensic engineer to lead fire origin and cause investigations. You will conduct field work, apply combustion and thermal science knowledge, and craft expert technical reports.

The role involves occasional travel, expert testimony, and client-facing presentations. A PE license is required; a Master’s/PhD and CFEI/CFII are preferred. Join a collaborative national practice within a leading investigative firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• PE license is required at minimum professional level.
• Master’s or PhD is preferred for advanced roles.
• CFEI or CFII designation preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates forensic investigations related to fire origin and cause.
• Conducts field investigations of fire and explosion scenes and analyzes evidence.
• Performs engineering analysis using combustion, thermodynamics, and fire dynamics.
• Authors high-quality technical reports and expert opinions on fire origin and cause.
• Provides expert testimony at deposition and trial.
• Delivers well-prepared client presentations.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each project phase.
• Directs projects within schedule and budget constraints.
• Assists Business Development to identify clients and opportunities.
• Participates in client meetings and conferences to grow the practice.
• Mentors junior staff and pursues professional development.
• Develops professionally in skills, experience, and reputation.

Skills

Forensic engineering

Fire investigation

Technical report writing

Expert testimony

Client communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Masters or Ph.D. preferred

PE license required

CFEI or CFII preferred

Tools

FDS

PyroSim

Microsoft Office

Job description

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses.

Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants.

At ESi, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources.

Why ESi

ESi’s Thermal practice brings together experts in fire, explosion, chemical, electrical, and fire protection engineering to solve complex problems across industrial, commercial, and energy sectors. The team supports high-profile investigations and proactive safety and risk reduction efforts in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates forensic investigations related to fire origin and cause, explosions, thermal sciences, and related chemical or mechanical systems.
• Conducts field investigations of fire and explosion scenes, analyzing physical evidence, burn patterns, and ignition sources.
• Performs engineering analysis and applies knowledge of combustion, thermodynamics, and fire dynamics to support forensic opinions.
• Authors high-quality technical reports and expert opinions on fire origin, cause, and related engineering matters.
• Provides expert testimony at deposition and trial.
• Conducts well-developed and well-prepared client presentations.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project, and arranges for assignment of project personnel.
• Directs and coordinates projects within prescribed schedule and budget scopes.
• Works with Business Development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
• Actively participates in Business Development activities, including client meetings, presentations, and appropriate conferences.
• Mentors earlier-career employees in growth and development.
• Actively seeks to develop professionally in skills, experience, and industry reputation.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Licenses Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field required
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) required
• CFEI (Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator) or CFII preferred.

Experience Required

• 10-15 years of experience in fire and explosion investigation, thermal sciences consulting, or forensic engineering.
• Hands-on experience with fire scene investigation, origin and cause analysis, and ignition source identification.
• Track record authoring high-quality technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience providing expert testimony highly desirable; preferred experience in the consulting industry.

Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with fire dynamics and thermal analysis tools (FDS, PyroSim, or equivalent).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex fire science and engineering concepts clearly to legal and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to interact with clients professionally and develop business internally and externally.
• Must be available to travel occasionally as part of the national practice.

What We Can Offer You

We believe great work happens when people feel supported, challenged, and trusted. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance/Universal Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Pet Insurance
• Competitive salary with merit-based or annual bonus programs
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) - encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year
• 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
• Work/Life Balance in a collaborative working environment
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Career Growth & Continuing education opportunities

Total compensation includes a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity, with final pay determined by job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, individual performance, and overall company performance.

Physical Demands

This role requires frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance. This position frequently requires handling and operating specialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites, industrial settings, and damaged or compromised structures. The work environment may include exposure to varying noise levels, weather conditions, uneven terrain, and site-specific hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on site conditions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To all recruitment agencies: ESi does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of ESi without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of ESi. Please, no phone calls or emails.

ESi is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified individuals based on merit, experience, and skills. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with applicable laws, ESi actively supports the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.