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Expert Witness Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท Hybrid

$130K - $170K/yr

Willingness to participate in expert witness work and provide court testimony. * Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. * Computer skills (including Word, Excel and ...

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

Willingness to participate in expert witness work and provide court testimony. * Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. * Computer skills (including Word, Excel and ...

Land Development Senior Project Engineer

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$93K - $121K/yr

Serve as an expert witness in litigation, providing expert testimony and technical analysis. * Collaborate with other engineers and professionals on multi-disciplinary projects. 10% Client Support

Land Development Project Manager

Coralville, IA ยท On-site

$91K - $118K/yr

Serve as an expert witness in litigation, providing expert testimony and technical analysis. * Collaborate with other engineers and professionals on multi-disciplinary projects. 10% Client Support

Land Development Project Manager

Council Bluffs, IA ยท On-site

$93K - $120K/yr

Serve as an expert witness in litigation, providing expert testimony and technical analysis. * Collaborate with other engineers and professionals on multi-disciplinary projects. 10% Client Support

Land Development Project Manager

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$94K - $122K/yr

Serve as an expert witness in litigation, providing expert testimony and technical analysis. * Collaborate with other engineers and professionals on multi-disciplinary projects. 10% Client Support

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Showing results 1-20

Expert Witness information

See Iowa salary details

$211.1K

$263.2K

$310.5K

How much do expert witness jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for expert witness in Iowa is $263,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $236,800.00 and $289,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an expert witness?

An expert witness is a person with specialized knowledge, skills, or experience in a particular field who is called upon to provide testimony in legal proceedings. Their primary role is to help the court understand complex technical or scientific matters by offering objective opinions based on their expertise. Expert witnesses may be asked to analyze evidence, prepare reports, and explain their findings in court, assisting judges and juries in making informed decisions.

What does an expert witness do?

An expert witness provides the prosecuting or defense attorney in a criminal trial, civil litigation, or arbitration with expert testimony on a specific aspect of a case. Law firms or prosecutors also consult with experts when they are developing a case. Your responsibilities may be to testify in court about medical evidence, scientific findings, or questions of criminal psychology, to name just a few specializations. In some instances, expert witnesses read statements for a deposition reviewed by an arbitrator or judge. As an expert witness, your duties are to review the case before testifying and provide clear expert evidence that is understandable to people outside of your field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an expert witness, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expert Witness, you need deep subject matter expertise, advanced academic or professional credentials, and extensive experience in your field. Familiarity with legal procedures, report writing, and courtroom technology is essential, and certifications such as board certification (for medical experts) can be valuable. Excellent communication, impartiality, and composure under cross-examination are crucial soft skills. These qualities ensure your testimony is credible, understandable, and persuasive to judges and juries, which is vital for influencing legal outcomes.

What are some common challenges expert witnesses face when testifying in court, and how can they prepare for them?

Expert Witnesses often encounter challenges such as intense cross-examination, communicating complex technical information clearly to a lay audience, and maintaining impartiality under pressure. Preparation involves thoroughly reviewing case materials, practicing clear and concise explanations, and anticipating potential lines of questioning. Many expert witnesses also participate in mock trials or work with legal teams to refine their testimony and presentation skills, ensuring they remain credible and effective in court.

What is the difference between Expert Witness vs Forensic Specialist?

AspectExpert WitnessForensic Specialist
Required CredentialsProfessional expertise, certifications vary by fieldSpecialized training, certifications in forensic science or related fields
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal settings, consultingCrime labs, investigative agencies, legal cases
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, courts, consulting firmsLaw enforcement, forensic labs, legal industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Expert Witnesses provide professional opinions in court based on their expertise, often in legal cases. Forensic Specialists focus on scientific analysis and evidence collection in forensic labs or investigations. While both roles support legal proceedings, Expert Witnesses often interpret findings, whereas Forensic Specialists conduct the scientific work.

How do you qualify as an expert witness?

To qualify as an expert witness, an individual must demonstrate relevant expertise, education, and experience in the subject matter, often through credentials, certifications, or a history of specialized work. Courts assess the witness's qualifications based on their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide credible, objective testimony, sometimes following standards like the Daubert or Frye rules.

How to get hired as an expert witness?

To become an expert witness, professionals typically need relevant expertise in a specific field, often supported by advanced degrees, certifications, or extensive experience. Building a reputation through published work, networking with attorneys, and gaining experience in legal settings can improve chances of being hired. Familiarity with legal procedures and clear communication skills are also important for effective testimony.

What are popular job titles related to Expert Witness jobs in Iowa?

For Expert Witness jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Expert Witness jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Expert Witness jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Expert Witness jobs in IA?

For Expert Witness jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Expert Witness job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 68% In-person, 16% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $263,162 per year, or $126.5 per hour.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA โ€ข Hybrid

J.S. Held LLC
Business Management Consultingย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Company Description

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
 

Job Description

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 routinely perform forensic investigations, provide consultation, and serve as expert witnesses. Our practice areas include commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and residential property and equipment systems as well as related infrastructure components. Assignments will require local, regional, as well as inter-regional travel to project sites

 Job Responsibilities

  • Investigate the cause and origin of failures, damages, or defects in mechanical systems and components within industrial, commercial, and residential sites. Analyze the failure of mechanical systems, determine the cause of failures, evaluate the quality of construction, and review design and maintenance procedures.
  • Perform field investigations, lead multi-party examinations and documentation of damaged property.
  • Research failure modes, code requirements, and provide recommendations for repair and /or replacement as needed.
  • Prepare accurate, clear, thorough, and concise reports and related documentation for clients detailing opinions and conclusions.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams on large and complex assignments.
  • Maintain established relationships with current clients and consultants.
  • Stay abreast of company policies, procedures and practices; participate in ongoing training and development as assigned or approved to assure knowledge and skills remain current and comprehensive.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 3โ€“5 years of mechanical engineering experience within insurance or legal forensics.
  • Residency in Midwest region of United States is required.
  • Requires active Professional Engineering (PE) license; minimum required of resident state.  
  • Willingness to participate in expert witness work and provide court testimony.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Computer skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • A desire to learn, excel and grow with us and within the profession.
  • Must be flexible to travel and able to accommodate approximately 30โ€“50% travel

Preferred Qualifications

  • A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in evaluating mechanical system and component failures in a commercial or industrial setting.
  • Multi-state licensing and/or active NCEES Record.
  • Expert witness testimony experience.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.  
  • Must be able to travel to various project sites.
  • Must be able to access and inspect all areas of mechanical and/or electrical equipment
  • Prolonged periods of standing, bending, kneeling and lifting.
     

Additional Information

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our teamโ€™s needs.

  • Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed
  • Flexible Time Off policy
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401k Match
  • Commuter Benefit

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $130,000 -$170,000. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.
 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what weโ€™re all about at www.jsheld.com.
 

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. 

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please email jobs@jsheld.com. Include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject line, along with your request and contact information.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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J.S. Held logo

About J.S. Held

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jericho, NY, US

Year founded

1974