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Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team of professionals supporting our clients throughout the US and internationally. Our engineers ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team of professionals supporting our clients throughout the US and internationally. Our engineers ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team of professionals supporting our clients throughout the US and internationally. Our engineers ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team of professionals supporting our clients throughout the US and internationally. Our engineers ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team of professionals supporting our clients throughout the US and internationally. Our engineers ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team of professionals supporting our clients throughout the US and internationally. Our engineers ...

Salas O'Brien

Forensic Mechanical Engineer - US

$100K - $180K/yr

Job Summary: We're seeking an experienced Forensic Mechanical Engineer located in any major us market. Working remotely from your home office, you will investigate and evaluate the root cause and ...

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All JobsContract Forensic Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do contract forensic mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract forensic mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior forensic mechanical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in consulting roles or in high-demand industries. Achieving this level typically requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and a strong reputation in the field.

Can mechanical engineers work in forensics?

Mechanical engineers can work in forensics by analyzing failure mechanisms, conducting accident reconstructions, and examining mechanical systems involved in incidents. Forensic mechanical engineering often requires knowledge of materials, failure analysis, and the use of tools like CAD and forensic investigation techniques. Certification and experience in accident reconstruction or failure analysis can enhance job prospects in this field.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Contract forensic mechanical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or consulting roles. However, typical salaries for mechanical engineers generally range lower, and reaching this level often requires seniority, niche expertise, or working in lucrative sectors such as aerospace or energy. Salary levels vary based on location, employer, and individual qualifications.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by a Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer when working on multiple cases simultaneously?

As a Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer, managing several cases at once can be challenging due to varying deadlines, the need for meticulous documentation, and the complexity of each investigation. Balancing site visits, report writing, and collaboration with legal teams or insurance companies requires strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, adapting to different client expectations and ensuring objectivity in your analysis are critical for maintaining credibility and delivering thorough, unbiased findings.

What is a Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer?

A Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to investigate mechanical failures, accidents, or disputes. They apply engineering principles to determine the causes of malfunctions in machinery, vehicles, or building systems, often providing expert analysis for legal cases or insurance claims. Their work may involve site inspections, failure analysis, preparing technical reports, and sometimes testifying as expert witnesses in court. Contract roles allow companies to access specialized expertise as needed for specific cases or projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, failure analysis, and a degree in mechanical engineering (often with a Professional Engineer license). Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and technical report writing is typically required, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you investigate incidents thoroughly and present findings clearly to clients or in legal settings. These competencies are critical for accurately determining causes of mechanical failures and providing credible expert opinions in litigation or insurance cases.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced forensic mechanical engineers working in specialized fields such as failure analysis, litigation support, or consulting can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with advanced certifications and a strong reputation. These roles often require extensive expertise, industry experience, and sometimes involvement in high-stakes cases or complex projects.

What is the difference between Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer vs Contract Mechanical Engineer?

AspectContract Forensic Mechanical EngineerContract Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, forensic certification (if applicable)Engineering degree, relevant mechanical engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentLegal cases, accident investigations, forensic labsDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings
Industry UsageLegal, insurance, forensic consultingManufacturing, construction, product design

The Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer specializes in investigating mechanical failures and accidents for legal or insurance purposes, often working in forensic labs or legal settings. In contrast, the Contract Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing, developing, or maintaining mechanical systems in industrial or manufacturing environments. While both roles require mechanical engineering credentials, the forensic engineer emphasizes investigative skills and legal knowledge, whereas the general mechanical engineer concentrates on engineering design and implementation.

More about Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

The Third Group

Detroit, ME • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Forensic Mechanical Engineer | Detroit / Troy Metro Area (Remote)

Are you a Mechanical Engineer with a P.E. license or an EIT ready to take your expertise in a unique and rewarding forensic consulting direction? We are seeking a skilled professional to join our Detroit Metro-area team and provide expert failure analysis and consulting services to insurance, legal, and industrial clients across the region.

Candidates must reside in the Detroit or Troy Metro areas.

About the Opportunity

In this role, you will investigate and evaluate injury, equipment, and property damage claims involving products, heavy equipment, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and more. You will identify the origin, failure mechanism, and root cause of incidents, deliver clear and comprehensive reports, and provide expert testimony in litigation matters when needed.

What You'll Do

  • Perform failure analysis and forensic investigations within the field of mechanical engineering
  • Investigate the origin, failure mechanism, and root cause of incidents involving mechanical systems and equipment
  • Inspect sites, products, and equipment; retrieve and analyze electronic data; and perform mechanical engineering calculations
  • Conduct site surveys using total station survey equipment, scanners, drones, and other 3D documentation tools
  • Prepare CAD-based and manual sketches as required
  • Review and interpret relevant codes, standards, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, and data logs
  • Conduct analyses related to industrial safety, equipment and machinery design, product liability, and design safety
  • Support fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems and equipment
  • Prepare detailed oral and written reports outlining findings, causes of failure, and recommendations
  • Provide expert opinions and testimony in litigation matters
  • Develop and maintain strong, mutually beneficial client relationships

What You'll Need

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or higher is required
  • PE license or an EIT sitting for the P.E. exam is required
  • 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including knowledge of products, machine design, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and/or other mechanical equipment
  • Project management and/or field investigation experience strongly preferred
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer-assisted engineering/design software
  • Ability to read and interpret technical reports, legal documents, and financial records
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally and regionally (up to 25%)
  • Must reside in the Detroit / Troy Metro areas

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401(k) & IRA Retirement Plan
  • Life Insurance & AD&D
  • Paid Time Off & Public Holidays
  • Maternity & Paternity Leave
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Work from Home

Location: Candidates must reside in the Detroit / Troy Metro areas. (Remote — must reside in territory)

Travel: Up to 25% local/regional

If you are passionate about forensic engineering and ready to grow your career with a team that values expertise and excellence, we want to hear from you!

Contact Pam@TheThirdGroupNYC.com or Apply to get started today!

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