Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Rimkus

. Provide failure analysis and forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeCleveland • Ohio • United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in mechanical engineering with a focus on failure analysis, forensic consulting, and compliance evaluation. Proficient in conducting investigations, preparing technical reports, and providing expert testimony while maintaining strong client relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

B.S. Mechanical Engineering DegreePh.D. or Forensic Experience with P.E.Failure Analysis and Forensic ConsultingProject Management and Field Investigation ExperienceMechanical Engineering Calculations

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Failure AnalysisMechanical Engineering Calculations3D Documentation MethodsCAD-Based SketchingLaboratory Testing EvaluationData AnalysisTechnical Report WritingCompliance EvaluationSite InspectionRoot Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationProblem DefinitionInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office ApplicationsComputer-Assisted Engineering SoftwareTotal StationsScannersDrones

Certifications & Qualifications

P.E. License

Industry Keywords

Forensic EngineeringMechanical SystemsHVACPlumbingFire SuppressionProduct LiabilityIndustrial SafetyAccident InvestigationDesign ComplianceEquipment Failure

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide failure analysis and forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise
Evaluate injury, equipment, and property damage claims involving products, heavy equipment, machines, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and other mechanical systems
Prepare oral and written reports of findings, provide technical guidance to clients, and deliver expert testimony when needed
Perform failure analysis for forensic assignments according to agreed scopes of work and budgets
Investigate incidents to identify origin, failure mechanism, root cause, and the role of the mechanical system
Inspect sites, products, equipment, and systems
Retrieve and analyze electronic data from commercial and non-commercial equipment
Document site and product conditions and determine damage cause and origin
Conduct site surveys using total stations, scanners, drones, and other 3D documentation methods
Perform mechanical engineering calculations and prepare CAD-based and manual sketches
Order and evaluate laboratory testing and perform analyses
Review and interpret codes, standards, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, peer-reviewed literature, data logs, and other documentation
Evaluate design, installation, operation, and maintenance compliance
Conduct industrial safety and accident, equipment and machinery design and failure, product liability, and design and safety analyses
Support fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment
Initiate, develop, and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships
Work in office settings and at outside locations such as accident sites
Work regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime periods as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree or higher
Ph.D. or forensic experience with P.E. required
2–10+ years of experience, including knowledge of products, machine design, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and/or other mechanical equipment/systems/processes
Project management and/or field investigation experience required
High level of analytical skill and attention to detail
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Ability to interact and communicate with internal and external clients at all levels
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents
Ability to write scopes of work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, correspondence, and technical documents
Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients
Ability to present information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors
Ability to perform physical site work, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and driving
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Must be available for overtime
Ability to travel up to 25%, including occasional out-of-area and overnight travel
Must be based in Cleveland, Ohio

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Bonus opportunities
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employer-matching 401(k) plans
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Work From Home
Opportunities for advancement