Senior Forensic Metallurgy & Materials Consultant

About ESi

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.

Why ESi

ESi's Materials Practice focuses on hands-on failure analysis and advanced material characterization across industries. With access to a network of in-house laboratories, engineers evaluate material behavior and performance in a collaborative environment that emphasizes technical rigor and continuous development.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates forensic investigations as a materials and/or metallurgical engineer.
• Directs and performs metallurgical laboratory work, site and laboratory inspections.
• Performs forensic root cause failure analysis in industrial, insurance, and/or litigation projects as part of a team environment.
• Authors high-quality technical reports and communicates effectively with clients.
• Conducts research and presents technical material clearly and concisely to clients and internal colleagues.
• Provides litigation consultation and interacts with attorneys, adjusters, and paralegals.
• Provides deposition and trial testimony as an expert witness.
• Engages as a team player across offices and technical disciplines, including multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentors junior staff and contributes to office and practice group development.
• Works with Business Development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
• Performs ongoing continuing education, including preparing technical presentations, white papers, and/or peer-reviewed papers.

Qualifications

• Education / Certifications / Licenses Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, and/or Materials Science or related field required;
    Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred, or willingness to obtain.
• Experience Required
  • Experience in material failure analysis with a focus on metallurgy, materials science, or mechanics of materials.
  • CWI, CQE, or API certifications are a plus.
  • Deposition and trial experience as an expert witness, or a willingness to become a testifying subject matter expert.
  • Track record authoring high-quality technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills
  • Excellent technical (metallurgical/materials) and critical thinking skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex technical topics and findings to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Laboratory equipment experience including stereoscopy (KEYENCE), microscopy, metallography, and sample preparation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; must be available to travel occasionally as part of the national practice.

What We Can Offer You

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

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.

Physical Demands:

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 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance. This position frequently requires handling and operating specialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office…