Senior Consultant - Fire & Explosion Expert

This position is for a mechanical engineer to perform investigations of fire & explosion incidents involving, but no limited to, mechanical equipment, appliances, HVAC equipment and fuel-gas (primarily propane and natural gas) systems. The position will also involve evaluations of mechanical systems, investigations of incidents related to combustion efficiency (i.e., the production of carbon monoxide and other combustion products), evaluation of applicable codes and standards (ICC, NFPA, etc.)

as well as other mechanical engineering related issues. The candidate for this position will be responsible for conducting investigations, codes and standards reviews, design evaluations, document reviews as well as site and laboratory inspections including documentation, evidence examination, research, analysis, testing and reporting. The position will also involve providing testimony in court proceedings, both at depositions and trials, as necessary.

The candidate will market the company and themselves to obtain and/or maintain a client base and build a business. The candidate will also be responsible for planning, managing and coordinating activities for client projects to ensure that goals/objectives of projects are accomplished within the prescribed timeframe and funding parameters by performing the following duties personally or with the assistance of other consulting/engineering staff.

The candidate will also be responsible for management of investigative projects, development of budgets and protocols and managing an investigative team. The position will require the candidate to travel.

• Prepares and reviews project proposals or plans to determine time frame, funding limitations, and procedures for accomplishing project, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of the project.
• Makes determinations to accept or decline potential new projects based on known variables.
• Confers with project staff to outline work plans and to assign duties, responsibilities and scope of authority.
• Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel to ensure projects progress on schedule and within prescribed budgets.
• Performs field inspections of residential, commercial, marine, transportation and industrial structures and facilities, etc. to determine the cause and origin of reported or suspected fire and explosion damages as well as condition assessments.
• Conducts field and laboratory tests of fuel‑gas (primarily natural gas and propane) systems including piping, regulators, meters, valves, rtc.
• Conduct evaluations of the failure mechanisms of appliances, mechanical equipment, HVAC equipment, etc.
• Prepares technical, project‑related reports for clients as required.
• Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
• Conducts well‑developed and well‑prepared client presentations and technical conference presentations.
• Perform marketing and business development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
• Mentor junior consultants in growth and development.
• Testifies in court proceedings (depositions and/or trials) on behalf of clients, as required.

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (ABET Accredited Preferred) required.
• MS in Mechanical Engineering and/or another engineering discipline is preferred.

• PE License, or the ability to obtain a PE License shortly after employment, is required.
• NAFI CFEI and/or IAAI CFI, or the ability to obtain certification shortly after employment, is preferred.
• 40‑hour HAZWOPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification.

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering including fire and explosion and forensic consulting in the insurance, legal and private industry fields.
• Strong background in fire science and technology, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, etc. with a significant amount of experience in field investigations, analysis, codes and standards.
• Experience can range from structural fires to machinery and equipment failures to electrical power generation and distribution…