Senior Consultant - HVAC Systems Engineer

Overview

ESi is seeking a mechanical engineering consultant with deep expertise in the design of building mechanical systems (HVAC & Plumbing). This role involves forensic investigations that evaluate engineering standard of care, design/construction defects, and damage resulting from system & equipment failures. The ideal candidate is a professional with hands-on experience designing building mechanical systems of varying types and scale who has seen them through construction and is ready to apply their knowledge in a forensic consulting environment.

This consultant will conduct site inspections, analyze project documentation, assess design and construction against project requirements, and communicate findings through expert reports, presentations, and testimony. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging cases involving claims, disputes, and failures - all while collaborating with ESi's multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists nationwide.

This position is targeted as a Senior Consultant. However, if a candidate has greater experience, we may consider hiring at a Senior Managing Consultant level or higher if the candidate has an established client base and book of business.

• Develop local clients and projects by working with regional ESi business development staff and colleagues.
• Perform marketing and business development activities to identify potential clients and strategies to build a client base. The candidate will be responsible for representing ESi and its consultants to potential clients and at conferences and meetings. Business development activities also may include making presentations and introductions to obtain additional clients and projects and/or expand ESi's business.
• Partner with peers across ESi disciplines and offices to pursue and execute cross-functional projects.

• Provide consultation to clients regarding building mechanical HVAC & Plumbing system design/construction defects, equipment malfunctions, and other failures.
• Conduct forensic investigations related to the engineering standard of care for the design of HVAC & Plumbing systems.
• Perform field and laboratory investigations to evaluate the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial HVAC & Plumbing systems and equipment.
• Author high-quality technical reports, visual exhibits, and expert opinions for use in litigation and insurance matters.
• Conduct well-developed and well-prepared client presentations.
• Testify in court or provide depositions if requested by clients.

• Lead or contribute to multidisciplinary teams; manage timelines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Establish work plan, staffing, and budget for each project phase and arrange for assignment of project personnel.
• Adhere to and contribute to ESi's QA/QC standards by reviewing peers' work.
• Perform ongoing continuing education, including preparing technical presentations, white papers, and/or peer-reviewed papers relevant to their areas of practice.
• Mentor junior consultants to support their growth and professional development.

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from ABET accredited educational institution required.
• Master's or PhD preferred.

• Must be an established expert in building science engineering with over 10 years of experience designing building mechanical systems (HVAC and Plumbing), performing large scale investigations, project management, and preparing technical reports.
• Multidisciplinary project management preferred.
• Experience in forensic consulting and/or failure analysis preferred.
• Experience providing expert testimony preferred.

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) required.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex projects and work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to interact with clients in a professional manner and develop business both internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
• Must be available to travel occasionally as part of the national practice.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat. Intermediate skills in graphics programs, Internet browsers, and database programs. Windows Operating System experience highly preferred.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and sit.

Site inspections may require…