Senior Staff Consultant (Auto Reconstruction / Crashworthiness)

Engineering Systems, Inc. (ESI); Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

401k with employer match

Pet Insurance

Competitive salary with bonus

Flexible Time Off

10 paid holidays

Career Growth & Continuing education

Wellness Reimbursement

Job summary

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) seeks an experienced forensic engineer to lead investigations of motor vehicle crashes in our Ann Arbor area practice. You will perform engineering analyses, author technical reports, and present findings to clients and at conferences.

The role requires strong communication, the ability to travel occasionally, and a track record of high-quality reports. A PE license is preferred; advanced degrees are welcomed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Master's preferred.
• 5-10 years of work experience in forensic consulting, accident reconstruction, or automotive engineering.
• Experience providing expert testimony is desirable; preferred in consulting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with clients.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and directs field investigations of motor vehicles and crash scenes.
• Performs engineering analysis of motor vehicle accidents, including crashworthiness evaluations.
• Authors high-quality technical reports.
• Confers with project staff to outline work plan and assign duties.
• Testifies in court or provides depositions if requested by clients.
• Mentors earlier-career employees and supports business development activities.

Skills

Forensic consulting

Accident reconstruction

Technical reporting

Client presentations

Public speaking

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

HVE

FARO

PC-Crash

Microsoft Office

Job description

About ESi

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 Transportation group analyzes automotive, rail, aviation, marine, and commercial vehicle systems to understand performance, failure, and safety. Combining engineering, human factors, biomechanics, and materials science, the team applies advanced reconstruction and modeling tools to support investigations and proactive design efforts that improve transportation safety and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts and directs field investigations of motor vehicles and crash scenes as needed.
• Performs engineering analysis of motor vehicle accidents, including crashworthiness evaluations.
• Authors high-quality technical reports.
• Conducts well-developed and well-prepared client presentations.
• Testifies in court or provides depositions if requested by clients.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project, and arranges for assignment of project personnel.
• Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
• Directs and coordinates project within prescribed schedule and budget scopes.
• Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems.
• Seeks technical advice and oversight from more experienced consultants when necessary.
• Coordinates proper internal project technical reviews.
• 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 works to develop client base and book of business.
• Actively seeks to develop professionally in skills, experience, and industry reputation.

Qualifications

• Education / Certifications / Licenses Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Master's degree in Engineering preferred.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred; ACTAR certification or ability to obtain.
• Experience Required
  • 5-10 years of work experience in forensic consulting, accident reconstruction, or automotive engineering.
  • Track record authoring high-quality technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience providing expert testimony is desirable; preferred experience in the consulting industry.
• Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills
  • Familiarity with accident reconstruction software (HVE, FARO, PC-Crash, etc.) and crashworthiness analysis tools; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; 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:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 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 Environment:

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.