Director, Forensic Mechanical Engineering

HKA

. Serve as a mechanical engineering expert witness in litigation, arbitration, and other dispute proceedings .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $200,000 - $225,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mechanical engineering with a focus on forensic investigations, expert witness testimony, and client relationship management. Proficient in analyzing mechanical systems and providing clear, defensible expert opinions in litigation contexts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Expert Witness ExperienceForensic EngineeringMechanical EngineeringActive Professional Engineer LicenseRotating Equipment Expertise

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringForensic InvestigationsExpert TestimonyCausation AnalysisMechanical Design EvaluationRotating MachineryEquipment SpecificationTesting and CommissioningMaintenance Records AnalysisIndependent Expert Opinions

Soft Skills

Client Relationship ManagementCommunicationCollaborationBusiness Development

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer License

Industry Keywords

Litigation ConsultingPower IndustryOil and GasChemical/ProcessManufacturingWater/WastewaterDispute Resolution

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a mechanical engineering expert witness in litigation, arbitration, and other dispute proceedings
Lead forensic investigations involving mechanical equipment and systems, failures, defects, performance issues, and other disputed technical matters
Conduct site investigations and analyze physical evidence, engineering documents, testing, operating data, maintenance records, and other evidence to determine causation and responsibility
Develop independent expert opinions and prepare clear, defensible expert reports, rebuttals, and exhibits
Provide and defend expert testimony in depositions, arbitration, and trial, including under cross-examination
Work directly with attorneys, clients, and other experts on technical case issues and opposing expert opinions
Evaluate mechanical design, equipment specification, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance where relevant to an investigation
Provide expertise involving rotating machinery and mechanical equipment, including turbines, compressors, pumps, motors/drives, fans, blowers, and related systems
Build client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of HKA’s forensic mechanical engineering practice

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
10+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with rotating equipment and the design, specification, testing, commissioning, operation, or maintenance of mechanical systems
Experience across power, oil and gas, chemical/process, manufacturing, water/wastewater, or other industrial facilities
Experience in forensic engineering and litigation consulting, including technical investigations and development of independent expert opinions
Expert witness experience, including live testimony in at least one court trial within the past four years
Experience working directly with attorneys and clients on complex litigation and dispute matters
Experience developing client relationships and contributing to business development

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) plan with company match
20 days of paid time off
Additional company holidays
Wellness time
Performance and other bonus opportunities
Robust training, professional development, and career advancement programs
Inclusive and collaborative culture