Mechanical Engineer

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Full Time Chicago, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Location Nashville, TN or Chicago, IL

Job Type Full-Time

Work Setting Hybrid

Travel & Field Work Up to 40%

Compensation Grade 4 - Project Manager: $110,000-$135,000

Knott Laboratory is seeking a licensed Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) to join our growing Premises Liability team. This role is well suited for a technically strong, detail-oriented engineer who enjoys applying mechanical engineering, safety, and forensic analysis principles to real-world incidents.

The Mechanical Engineer will investigate workplace injuries, accessibility-related incidents, and other accidents occurring on commercial, industrial, and public premises. The role will evaluate equipment, walking-working surfaces, access systems, building components, maintenance practices, and site conditions to determine how an incident occurred and whether applicable codes, standards, or accepted engineering practices were met. The engineer will develop clear, objective, and defensible technical opinions to support clients in complex claims and litigation.

• Conduct site inspections and field investigations involving workplace injuries and premises liability incidents, including slips, trips, falls, ladder and stair incidents, falls from elevation, struck-by or caught-between events, and incidents involving doors, gates, loading areas, platforms, guards, barriers, or other mechanical and facility systems.
• Investigate accessibility-related incidents and evaluate site conditions for compliance with applicable ADA accessibility requirements, adopted building codes, and other relevant accessibility standards.
• Evaluate the design, installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, and condition of equipment, building systems, walking-working surfaces, and access or egress features.
• Analyze physical evidence, measurements, photographs, video, drawings, maintenance and inspection records, policies, incident documentation, and witness information to identify causal and contributing factors.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to assess forces, motion, component performance, failure modes, guarding, friction, stability, loading, and other technical issues relevant to an incident.
• Research and evaluate applicable OSHA regulations, consensus standards, manufacturer instructions, safety practices, building codes, and industry guidance based on the facts and jurisdiction of each matter.
• Perform engineering calculations, testing, modeling, or demonstrative analyses as appropriate to the assignment.
• Prepare clear, concise, and defensible technical reports, exhibits, and presentations that communicate methodology, findings, and opinions to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Collaborate with clients, attorneys, claims professionals, property representatives, and Knott Laboratory's multidisciplinary experts throughout the investigation and litigation process.
• Manage multiple projects, including scope, schedule, documentation, client communication, and deadlines.
• Provide deposition and trial testimony as qualified and needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program.
• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability and willingness to obtain additional state licensure as business needs require.
• Five or more years of relevant engineering experience in forensic engineering, safety, mechanical design, facilities, industrial operations, accident investigation, or a related field.
• Experience conducting field inspections, documenting physical evidence, and evaluating accidents, failures, or safety conditions.
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, workplace safety principles, codes, standards, and technical documentation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, maintenance records, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly, objectively, and professionally.
• Ability to travel and perform field work in commercial, industrial, and public environments, including occasional evening or weekend assignments based on case needs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet…