Senior Consultant - Fire & Explosion Expert

Engineering Systems, Inc. (ESI); Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus potential based on performance

Job summary

A mechanical engineering firm is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to conduct investigations related to fire and explosion incidents. Responsibilities include performing field inspections, evaluating mechanical systems, managing projects, and preparing technical reports. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in fire science and forensic consulting, with strong communication skills and the ability to mentor junior staff. This position requires travel and offers competitive compensation and bonus potential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering and forensic consulting.
• Strong background in fire science, mechanical systems, and field investigations.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and provide expert testimony.
• PE license required or ability to obtain shortly after employment.
• NAFI CFEI and/or IAAI CFI preferred.
• Willingness to travel, including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of fire and explosion incidents.
• Evaluate mechanical systems and conduct field inspections.
• Prepare project proposals and manage client projects.
• Prepare technical reports and provide expert testimony as required.
• Manage projects, budgets, and protocols; mentor staff.
• Develop business with clients and travel as needed.

Skills

Fire science and technology

Mechanical systems analysis

Forensic consulting

Client interaction

Technical report preparation

Client development

Budgeting

Field investigations

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Fire and explosion computer modeling

Job description

This position is for a mechanical engineer to perform investigations of fire & explosion incidents involving, but no limited to, mechanical equipment, appliances, HVAC equipment and fuel-gas (primarily propane and natural gas) systems. The position will also involve evaluations of mechanical systems, investigations of incidents related to combustion efficiency (i.e., the production of carbon monoxide and other combustion products), evaluation of applicable codes and standards (ICC, NFPA, etc.) as well as other mechanical engineering related issues. The candidate for this position will be responsible for conducting investigations, codes and standards reviews, design evaluations, document reviews as well as site and laboratory inspections including documentation, evidence examination, research, analysis, testing and reporting. The position will also involve providing testimony in court proceedings, both at depositions and trials, as necessary. The candidate will market the company and themselves to obtain and/or maintain a client base and build a business. The candidate will also be responsible for planning, managing and coordinating activities for client projects to ensure that goals/objectives of projects are accomplished within the prescribed timeframe and funding parameters by performing the following duties personally or with the assistance of other consulting/engineering staff. The candidate will also be responsible for management of investigative projects, development of budgets and protocols and managing an investigative team. The position will require the candidate to travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares and reviews project proposals or plans to determine time frame, funding limitations, and procedures for accomplishing project, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of the project.
• Makes determinations to accept or decline potential new projects based on known variables.
• Confers with project staff to outline work plans and to assign duties, responsibilities and scope of authority.
• Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel to ensure projects progress on schedule and within prescribed budgets.
• Performs field inspections of residential, commercial, marine, transportation and industrial structures and facilities, etc. to determine the cause and origin of reported or suspected fire and explosion damages as well as condition assessments.
• Conducts field and laboratory tests of fuel‑gas (primarily natural gas and propane) systems including piping, regulators, meters, valves, rtc.
• Conduct evaluations of the failure mechanisms of appliances, mechanical equipment, HVAC equipment, etc.
• Prepares technical, project‑related reports for clients as required.
• Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
• Conducts well‑developed and well‑prepared client presentations and technical conference presentations.
• Perform marketing and business development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
• Mentor junior consultants in growth and development.
• Testifies in court proceedings (depositions and/or trials) on behalf of clients, as required.

Education Required

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (ABET Accredited Preferred) required.
• MS in Mechanical Engineering and/or another engineering discipline is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• PE License, or the ability to obtain a PE License shortly after employment, is required.
• NAFI CFEI and/or IAAI CFI, or the ability to obtain certification shortly after employment, is preferred.
• 40‑hour HAZWOPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification.

Other Skills/Abilities or Other Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering including fire and explosion and forensic consulting in the insurance, legal and private industry fields.
• Strong background in fire science and technology, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, etc. with a significant amount of experience in field investigations, analysis, codes and standards.
• Experience can range from structural fires to machinery and equipment failures to electrical power generation and distribution equipment, and covers such areas as industrial machines, HVAC equipment, construction and heavy machinery, consumer electronics, appliances, tools, and all types of transportation elements such as commercial/industrial vehicles.
• Some areas of expertise should include the following:
  • Personal protection equipment (PPE)
  • Test apparatus and fixtures
  • Mechanical and piping systems and equipment
  • HVAC equipment
  • Evaluation of failure mechanisms involving equipment and appliances
  • Testing and evaluation of fuel‑gas systems
  • Fire and explosion investigation
  • Ability to interact with clients in a professional manner and develop business both internally and externally.
  • Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
  • Experience preparing technical reports and providing expert testimony as required.
  • Must be able to work or travel on weekends and holidays as required.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive/SharePoint);
• Familiarity with fire and explosion computer modeling is preferred.

Compensation will be made up of a competitive base salary as well as bonus potential determined by your own individual performance and the performance of the organization overall.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and sit. Site inspections may require that employees stand, walk, carry tools, and/or work from an elevated position for extended periods of time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Noise levels at project sites are variable, and may be loud enough to require hearing protection.

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.

It is the policy of ESI, as an equal opportunity employer, to attract and retain the best qualified individuals available, without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. ESI is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities, as well as veterans. If you need assistance with completing the electronic application, please email your request to employment @ engsys.com