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Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Forensic Mechanical Engineers evaluate distress to existing MEP systems, machinery, and/or equipment. This role oversees all aspects of investigative projects including coordinating with ...

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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 Aug 11, 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 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?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Contract Forensic Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer - Charlotte, NC

Rimkus Consulting Group

Charlotte, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!
Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.
NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!
OVERVIEW:
Provides forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Evaluates injury and property damage claims caused by commercial products, heavy equipment, or machines not working properly. Provides oral and written reports of findings and, when needed, expert testimony.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs forensic assignments within the field of mechanical engineering expertise based on a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
  • Investigates how and why an incident occurred and determines whether it was a result of mechanical failure of equipment.
  • Inspects sites/products/equipment; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions, determine cause and origin of damage; performs site surveys with total station survey equipment; performs mechanical engineering calculations; prepares CAD-based and manual sketches as required; orders and evaluates required laboratory testing and performs analyses.
  • Conducts various analyses including, but not limited to, industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure; product liability, and design and safety.
  • Initiates, develops and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.

Safety and Osha requirements
  • Field Investigations: Study and determine the cause and origin of construction defects or structural failures.
  • Preparation of oral and written reports to document the causes of failure, extent of loss, associated repair scope, and recommended remediation are essential as is providing opinions and expert testimony in litigation matters.
  • Manages multiple projects, coordinating with other experts and support as needed to produce client reports in a timely manner.
  • Ensures that procedure is being followed and checks on safety features of the project during the time it is being completed
  • Uses many different equations, applications and figures which may include chemical testing applications, drafting and design software, electrical testing devices and equipment, land surveying techniques, and others.
  • Follows land use laws and regulations.
  • May be required to supervise and/or evaluate the performance of associate team members.
  • Ability to initiate, develop and maintain mutually beneficial client relationships.
  • Includes gathering photographic evidence, conducting investigations to document on-site conditions, overseeing field testing, and reviewing historical documentation.

REQUIRED SKILLS and ABILITIES:
  • Must have a high level of analytical skill. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g. internal and external).
  • Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports, journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
  • Ability to write scopes of work clearly and coherently, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
  • Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
  • Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:
  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree or higher.
  • P.E. required.
  • 2-10 years of experience, including knowledge of machinery and equipment.
  • Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience required.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.โ€ข

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements
  • Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. incident sites). Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to incident sites. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
  • Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Defined regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. However, our consultants are able to make their own schedules within the confines of meeting client scheduling needs and expectations. Occasional odd working hours may be required in order to complete technical investigations.
  • Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 25% travel overnight out of area travel as most inspections are completed locally.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.
Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.
Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.