Senior Forensic Fire Protection Engineer

Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc; United States; Remote; USD 127,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Forensic Fire Protection Engineer to investigate failures and accidents. This role offers the opportunity to work remotely while applying your expertise in engineering to deliver precise analyses and technical reports. You'll collaborate with legal teams and provide expert opinions, contributing to safety and compliance across various sectors. Join a company that values diversity and innovation, and take your career to the next level while making a significant impact on safety practices and standards in the engineering field.

Benefits

Competitive base pay

Incentive pay options

Global opportunities

Support from business development team

Access to specialized laboratories

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in engineering with a focus on forensic analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed investigations of failures and accidents.
• Prepare objective technical reports outlining findings and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Fire Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Failure Analysis Software

Forensic Analysis Tools

Job description

Senior Forensic Fire Protection Engineer

Remote - United States

Company Overview

At Jensen Hughes, we lead with our Purpose + Principles and value our people. Across our global partnership of experts, clients, and communities, we are recognized worldwide for our leadership in fire protection engineering, a legacy of responsibility we have advanced with pride since 1939. Today, our expertise extends broadly across closely related risk management fields — from accessibility consulting, risk and hazard analysis, process safety and forensic investigations to security risk consulting, emergency management and digital innovation. As we champion best practices, set industry standards and support communities with innovative solutions, we are making the world a better place.

We believe that creating and sustaining a culture of trust, integrity and professional growth fundamentally includes a sustained commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

At Jensen Hughes, diversity is ingrained in our culture -- we accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. Our differences and uniqueness are celebrated and reflected in our wide range of Global Employee Networks.

Job Overview

We are seeking detail-oriented and highly analytical Senior Forensic Engineers with expertise in Mechanical, Structural, Fire Protection, Biomechanical and Electrical Engineering to join our team across any of our office locations throughout the United States. Remote and hybrid work options are available. The role involves investigating failures, accidents, and incidents to determine their causes and provide technical analysis to assist in legal, insurance, owner-operator or safety-related matters. The ideal candidate will have an established client network as well as the capability to combine engineering knowledge with investigative skills to analyze complex issues and deliver accurate, well-documented findings.

Some of what we offer

• Competitive base pay with benefits. We also offer incentive pay options.
• Our business development team is dedicated to forensic and fire investigation and provides support by connecting you with clients who are looking to hire expert engineering professionals.
• Our worldwide footprint provides opportunities across the globe.
• We have personnel to perform fire modeling.
• We have a dust explosion lab in Halifax, Canada.
• We have a full metallurgical laboratory with an SEM/EDS that can analyze any metal found in a fire.
• We have a plastics and materials testing laboratory that can identify plastic materials involved in a fire and can determine many of the physical properties of these plastics.
• We have a full forensics chemistry laboratory that performs analysis of fire debris for ignitable liquids and liquids capable of spontaneous combustion. Laboratory technicians are available to provide direct support to the fire investigator in the best methods to collect forensic samples.
• We have voting and alternate members on NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and NFPA 1033 Qualifications for Fire Investigators.
• Our experienced in-house legal team can help with trial and deposition preparation.
• Our dedicated evidence collection and handling teams will support you to assure that the collection of evidence is properly gathered, retained and tracked from the field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed investigations of equipment failures, structural collapses, electrical faults, or other technical issues.
• Analyze physical evidence, engineering designs, construction materials, and processes to identify root causes.
• Evaluate compliance with engineering standards, building codes, and safety regulations.
• Gather and document relevant data from accident scenes, including photographs, measurements, and witness interviews.
• Review technical drawings, specifications, and maintenance records to support analyses.
• Perform failure analysis and materials testing using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Utilize software and models to simulate scenarios leading to failures or accidents.
• Prepare detailed, accurate, and objective technical reports outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Provide expert opinions in layman’s terms for non-technical audiences such as attorneys, insurance adjusters, and juries.
• Serve as an expert witness in legal proceedings when required.
• Provide clear and concise testimony based on thorough analyses.
• Work closely with legal teams, insurance professionals, and other engineers.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical, Fire, Civil/Structural, or Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Advanced certifications in forensic engineering are a plus (e.g., CFEI, PE, or equivalent).
• 15+ years of professional experience in engineering, with a focus on problem-solving, design, and failure analysis.
• Prior forensic engineering or accident investigation experience at an engineering consulting firm is required.
• Ability to have a transferable book of business.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects possibly with multiple engineering disciplines while meeting deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to work in diverse environments, including construction sites and accident scenes.
• Experience testifying in court or providing litigation support is preferred.
• Willing to travel up to 30% (+/-) throughout the United States or Canada, often at a moment’s notice.

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting and not a guarantee of compensation. Final compensation may vary based on factors, including but not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, geographic location, internal equity, alignment with market data.

National Pay Range: $127,000 - $197,000 USD

Jensen Hughes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.