Senior Staff Consultant; Materials: Polymers & Plastics

Job Title

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses.

Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants.

At ESi, you'll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources.

• Plans, directs, and coordinates forensic investigations involving polymers, plastics, and related materials.
• Performs laboratory analysis and field inspections related to polymer and plastics failures.
• Conducts root cause failure analysis on polymer components, systems, and consumer products.
• Authors high-quality technical reports and expert opinions.
• Provides expert testimony at deposition and trial or supports senior testifying experts.
• Conducts and supports client presentations.
• Confers with project staff to outline work plan and assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
• Coordinates projects within prescribed schedule and budget scopes.
• Works with Business Development to identify potential clients and strategies.
• Mentors staff-level employees in growth and development.
• Performs ongoing continuing education, including preparing technical presentations and peer-reviewed papers.

Education / Certifications / Licenses Required

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field required;
  Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Experience Required

• 5–10 years of experience in polymer/plastics materials analysis, failure investigation, or related research or industry role.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with polymer characterization techniques (FTIR, DSC, SEM, tensile testing, etc.).
• Track record authoring high-quality technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience providing expert testimony desirable; preferred experience in the consulting industry.

Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with polymer characterization and analysis software/equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex materials topics clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to interact with clients professionally and develop business internally and externally.
• Must be available to travel occasionally as part of the national practice.

We believe great work happens when people feel supported, challenged, and trusted. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance/Universal Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Pet Insurance
• Competitive salary with merit-based or annual bonus programs
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) – encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year
• 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
• Work/Life Balance in a collaborative working environment
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Career Growth & Continuing education opportunities

The pay range listed reflects a good-faith estimate of the compensation we expect to offer most candidates for this role. Total compensation includes a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity, with final pay determined by job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, individual performance, and overall company performance.

After internal discussions and market research, the current pay band for this opportunity is $110,000 to $140,000.

This role requires frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75…