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Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer information

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$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

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

As of Jul 18, 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.

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What cities are hiring for Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer job openings:
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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- Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction (56855)

ATS FAMILY

Penns Park, PA • On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

ARCCA, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, is a growing national forensic, scientific, and engineering firm with six offices nationwide located in Penns Park, PA (suburban Philadelphia); Pittsburgh, PA; Chicago, IL; Hollywood, FL; Oakland, CA; and Seattle, WA. Since 1987, ARCCA has assisted thousands of clients in addressing technical and scientific challenges while supporting litigation needs. The company's experienced and credentialed professionals provide services in Forensic Engineering, Expert Witness Testimony, Sports Biomechanics and Human Performance, and Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation. The quality of this work has established ARCCA as a trusted partner for insurance companies, law firms, government agencies, and corporate safety, claims, and risk management departments.
Applied Technical Services, LLC (ATS) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. ATS serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. ATS was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today the company employs nearly 2,100 team members in over 95 locations across the United States.
Together, ARCCA and ATS advance a shared mission to create a safe and reliable world through precise technical and professional services.
Job Title: Forensic Mechanical Engineer- Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction
Location: The preferred location for this position is Penns Park, PA; however, alternative locations may be considered based on candidate qualifications.
Department: Forensic Engineering
ARCCA's Mechanical Engineer works with clients in the insurance and legal industries to investigate and analyze a variety of mechanical system failures. Projects involve industrial machinery, consumer products, HVAC equipment, workplace safety, construction equipment, as well as general safety issues. This role will have an Accident Reconstruction component as well which includes investigating and reconstructing motor and commercial vehicle collisions.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform vehicle, site, and evidence inspections utilizing the latest in 3D scanning technology and software, conduct testing, and collect corresponding data.
  • Conduct investigations to gather and analyze equipment failures.
  • Prepare and deliver technical/educational presentations to existing and potential client groups and technical conferences.
  • Enhance professional/technical knowledge and credibility through continuing education programs, review of technical publications and the preparation of technical papers.
  • Prepare technical reports.
  • Provide expert testimony as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Masters in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Bachelors considered.
  • PE licensure in one or more states, required. EI/EIT considered.
  • The expert candidate will possess the willingness to work in the litigation setting and will be given the opportunity to evaluate cases and claims, design and build test fixtures and to evaluate and test hardware.
  • Prior testifying experience is preferred but not required; however, the expert candidate must possess solid written and verbal communication skills.
  • A background in safety equipment is helpful with knowledge in any of the following areas including but not limited to machine guarding, operation of equipment, consumer products, workplace safety, ladders, scaffolding, machinery, construction equipment and general safety issues.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Applied Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
Find out more at www.arcca.com

Apply