Sr. Forensics Materials Engineer - Mooresville, NC

Rimkus; Mooresville (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Rimkus, located in Mooresville, NC, seeks a senior-level forensic materials consultant to lead materials testing programs and provide expert opinions for diverse clients. You will oversee lab staff, perform root‑cause analyses, corrosion investigations, welding evaluations, and materials characterization of various materials and processes.

You will also prepare and present written reports and testimony as needed, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with clients and colleagues to ensure

Qualifications

• S. in metallurgy or Materials Science & Engineering; Ph.D. preferred.
• Professional Engineering license or ability to achieve licensure.
• Ideally 10+ years of materials laboratory testing experience; experience with ferrous, nonferrous, polymeric, ceramic, glass, and composite materials is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience with optical/digital microscopy and SEM/EDS; fractography, metallography, mechanical and corrosion testing.
• Project management and field investigation experience.
• High level of analytical skills, critical thinking, and creative problem‑solving. Client success requires attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform materials science work within scope of work and budget prepared by the client.
• Lead and oversee lab investigations: SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, OES, TGA, fractography, metallography, x-ray, and mechanical testing.
• Perform field investigations to determine origin and cause of materials-related defects and/or damage.
• Gather data from tests, characterization, and analysis techniques.
• Apply national and international codes and standards related to design, fabrication, and testing.
• Provide legal deposition and testimony as necessary.
• Produce written technical reports detailing findings and causes of defects, corrosion, or damage.
• Manage multiple projects and coordinate with team to deliver client reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Educate staff on materials science to answer complex questions.

Skills

Metallurgy

Materials science

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Expert witness testimony

Education

MS in Metallurgy or Materials Science & Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

SEM/EDS

FTIR

DSC

OES

X-ray

Metallography

Mechanical testing

MS Office

Job description

Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

Overview

The Materials Laboratory, located in the Mooresville, NC area, is seeking a senior‑level forensic materials consultant with laboratory experience. The company is firmly established as a recognized leader in failure/root cause analysis, corrosion damage assessment, materials testing, and consulting engineering. Our clients are typically from the commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and forensic workspaces from a wide range of industries, including performance (motorsports, aerospace, marine, automotive/transportation), industrial (power generation and utilities, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, pulp and paper), and forensics (insurance and litigation support).

This position is located within the Rimkus Materials Testing and Investigation Laboratory located in Mooresville, NC. This role will provide expert consulting services on matters requiring materials science and engineering knowledge and expertise for a host of clients in the industries listed above. The job includes performing root cause/failure analyses, corrosion investigations, welding evaluations, and materials characterization of a variety of materials, components, and processes. Additionally, this role will provide technical leadership and oversight of the materials lab staff.

We produce data and analysis that are provided to our clients through verbal and written technical reports, presentations, and testimony (when required). This position has significant autonomy and is responsible for project management and technical oversight of multiple concurrent projects; reviewing and evaluating design and field engineering changes; ensuring work quality and adherence to procedures; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Performing assignments within the field of materials science and engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work
• Conducting or overseeing laboratory investigations: Leading and participating in laboratory examinations, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, OES, TGA, fractography, metallography, x-ray, and mechanical testing
• Performing field investigations: Studying and determining the origin and cause of materials-related defects and/or damage
• Gathering data for analysis from various sources and means including: test results, materials characterization, and root cause/failure analysis techniques
• Using national and international codes and standards related to the design, fabrication, and testing of various products and materials
• Provide legal deposition and testimony as necessary
• Producing written technical reports of findings detailing the origin and cause of materials-related defects, corrosion, and/or damage
• Managing multiple projects, working in conjunction with other team members (including technical/peer reviewers) to produce client reports in a timely manner
• Building and maintaining working relationships with clients
• Educating materials technicians, technologists, engineers, and consultants on the proper use of materials science/engineering to answer complicated, multi‑disciplinary questions

Qualifications

• S. in metallurgy or Materials Science & Engineering; Ph.D. preferred
• Professional Engineering license or ability to achieve licensure
• Ideally 10+ years of materials laboratory testing experience; experience and proficiency with ferrous, nonferrous, polymeric, ceramic, glass, and composite materials is a plus
• Hands‑on experience with optical/digital microscopy and SEM/EDS. Working knowledge of fractography, metallography, mechanical and corrosion testing.
• Project management and field investigation experience
• High level of analytical skills, critical thinking, and creative problem‑solving. Client success requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, and generate conclusions and opinions
• The ability to interact and communicate effectively both internally and externally
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Applications
• Experience providing expert witness testimony is highly desirable

Necessary Language and Writing Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical reports, technical journals, product data sheets, industry specifications, financial reports, and some legal documents
• Ability to write proposals clearly and coherently, scopes-of-work, develop budget estimates and schedules, reports of findings, general correspondence, and other technical documents
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients with the capability of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed both in an office/laboratory setting and occasionally at outside field locations (i.e., client's office; laboratory; industrial, construction, and/or residential sites; etc.). Investigations require the ability to stand, walk bend, climb inside structures, crawl under structures, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle. You will also be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Clear vision and depth perception are necessary
• Some travel will be required with occasional overnight travel

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement
• PTO, medical, dental and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance; company-matching 401K, and quarterly performance incentive opportunities
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees.

Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.