Sr. Forensics Materials Engineer - Mooresville, NC

Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc

Mooresville (NC)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Family Leave

Disability Insurance

Training & Development

Work From Home

Job summary

Rimkus Materials Testing and Investigation Laboratory in Mooresville, NC seeks a senior-level forensic materials consultant with laboratory experience to lead root cause analyses and corrosion investigations for clients across motorsports, aerospace, marine, automotive, and other industries.

You will oversee laboratory staff, generate data and reports, manage multiple projects, provide testimony when required, and ensure procedures are followed while maintaining strong client relationships.

Qualifications

Requires degree in Metallurgy or Materials Science; PhD preferred.
PE license or ability to obtain licensure.
10+ years of materials laboratory testing experience; diverse materials knowledge.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee laboratory staff and manage projects.
Perform root cause analyses, corrosion investigations, welding evaluations.
Characterize materials and produce technical reports detailing origins and causes.
Provide testimony when required and educate staff.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Technical writing

Effective communication

Expert testimony (desirable)

Education

Bachelor's in Metallurgy or Materials Science & Engineering

Ph.D. preferred

Professional Engineering license or ability to obtain licensure

Tools

SEM/EDS

Optical microscopy

Metallography

Fractography

Mechanical testing

Job description

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 come 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 in Mooresville, NC.

This role will provide expert consulting services on matters requiring materials science and engineering knowledge for a host of clients. Responsibilities include performing root cause/failure analyses, corrosion investigations, welding evaluations, and materials characterization of a variety of materials, components, and processes. The consultant will lead and oversee the laboratory staff, produce data and reports, manage projects, review engineering changes, ensure quality and adherence to procedures, and provide testimony when required.

Our full‑time employees enjoy a benefits package that includes PTO, medical, dental, and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, company‑matching 401(k), and quarterly performance incentive opportunities.

Responsibilities

Perform assignments within the field of materials science and engineering according to scope of work and budget.
Lead or participate in laboratory investigations, including SEM‑EDS, FTIR, DSC, OES, TGA, fractography, metallography, X‑ray, and mechanical testing.
Conduct field investigations to determine causes of materials‑related defects and/or damage.
Gather data for analysis from test results, materials characterization, and root cause/failure 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 origins and causes of defects, corrosion, and damage.
Manage multiple projects, working with team members and peer reviewers to deliver client reports on time.
Build and maintain relationships with clients.
Educate materials technicians, technologists, engineers, and consultants on proper use of materials science/engineering.

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; 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.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively internally and externally.
Knowledge of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office.
Experience providing expert witness testimony is highly desirable.

Necessary Language and Writing Skills

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

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work performed in office/laboratory settings and occasionally at outside field locations; requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, crawling, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, speaking, hearing, and driving a motor vehicle.
May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; clear vision and depth perception necessary.
Some travel will be required with occasional overnight travel.

Diversity and Inclusion

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. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we invite you to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Benefits