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Fire Expert Witness Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Accident Reconstruction Analysis

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Senior Mechanical Engineer / Accident Reconstruction Engineer (P.E.)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nationally recognized expert witness practice * Collaborative team of engineers and fire investigators * Opportunities for professional development and specialty certifications * Cutting edge ...

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Fire Expert Witness information

How to get hired as a fire expert witness?

To become a fire expert witness, professionals typically need extensive experience in fire investigation, often holding certifications such as Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). Building a reputation through relevant work, networking with legal and insurance professionals, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of fire science are essential steps to be considered for hiring in this role.

What is the difference between Fire Expert Witness vs Fire Investigator?

AspectFire Expert WitnessFire Investigator
CredentialsFire science certifications, forensic trainingFire science certifications, investigative training
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal settings, consultingOn-site fire scene investigation
Employer & IndustryLegal firms, insurance companies, consultingFire departments, insurance companies, private firms
Primary RoleProvide expert testimony, analyze fire causes in courtInvestigate fire origins, determine cause and origin

While both Fire Expert Witnesses and Fire Investigators have backgrounds in fire science and forensic training, their roles differ. Fire Investigators focus on on-site fire scene analysis, whereas Fire Expert Witnesses provide expert testimony in court based on investigations. Both roles are essential in fire-related legal cases but serve different functions within the industry.

How does a fire expert witness typically collaborate with legal teams during an investigation?

As a Fire Expert Witness, you will often work closely with attorneys and investigators, providing technical analysis and clear explanations of fire-related evidence. Your role involves reviewing case materials, conducting site inspections, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes testifying in court. Effective communication is key, as you'll need to translate complex fire science concepts into understandable information for legal professionals and juries. Collaboration is ongoing throughout the case, ensuring that your expertise supports the legal strategy and helps clarify the facts.

Are fire expert witnesses in demand?

Fire expert witnesses are in steady demand due to ongoing legal cases involving fire investigations, insurance claims, and safety standards. Their expertise in fire science, accident reconstruction, and report preparation is valued in courts and insurance disputes, with demand influenced by the frequency of fire-related litigation and regulatory changes.

What is a fire expert witness?

Fire Expert Witnesses are professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in fire science, investigation, or related fields who provide expert testimony in legal cases involving fires. They assist courts by explaining technical aspects of fire causes, spread, and damage, and may analyze evidence to determine factors such as origin or liability. Fire Expert Witnesses often have backgrounds in fire investigation, engineering, or forensic science, and their testimony can be crucial in both civil and criminal proceedings.

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

To thrive as a Fire Expert Witness, you need in-depth knowledge of fire science, investigation procedures, and relevant codes, often supported by a degree in fire protection engineering or similar and certifications such as CFEI or IAAI-CFI. Familiarity with fire modeling software, forensic analysis tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to clearly communicate complex findings to legal professionals and juries set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are vital for providing credible, objective, and comprehensible expert testimony in legal proceedings involving fire incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Expert Witness jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Fire Expert Witness jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Expert Witness jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Expert Witness jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Fire Expert Witness jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Fire Expert Witness job openings:
Fire Expert Witness jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Expert Witness job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Mechanical Engineer / Accident Reconstruction Engineer (P.E.)

Accident Reconstruction Analysis

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

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Job description

About Us


Accident Reconstruction Analysis, PLLC (ARA) is a nationally recognized forensic engineering and fire investigation firm providing expert analysis in vehicle collisions, product failures, structural failures, industrial incidents, fire origin and cause investigations, and other complex technical matters. Our engineers work alongside attorneys, insurance carriers, manufacturers, corporations, and government agencies to investigate failures and provide expert testimony throughout the United States.

We are seeking an experienced PE to join our growing forensic engineering team.


Position Summary


The Senior Mechanical Engineer will investigate vehicle collisions, equipment failures, structural incidents, fires, and other engineering-related losses. The successful candidate will perform field inspections, analyze physical evidence, conduct engineering calculations, prepare detailed technical reports, develop demonstrative exhibits, and provide expert testimony when required. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply engineering principles to real world investigations while working on challenging, high profile litigation matters.


Primary Responsibilities


  • Conduct field investigations involving:
    • Motor vehicle collisions
    • Commercial vehicle crashes
    • Industrial accidents
    • Product failures
    • Mechanical failures
    • Fire and explosion losses
    • Structural failures
  • Document accident scenes using photography, measurements, drones, laser scanning, and mapping technology
  • Analyze vehicle damage, event data recorders (EDRs), and physical evidence
  • Perform engineering calculations and accident reconstruction analyses
  • Conduct product testing and engineering evaluations
  • Develop computer simulations and visual demonstrative exhibits
  • Prepare detailed technical reports for litigation and insurance claims
  • Communicate findings with attorneys, insurance companies, and clients
  • Participate in depositions and provide expert witness testimony
  • Travel as needed throughout North Carolina and occasionally nationwide


Preferred Qualifications


Required


  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline
  • P.E. license (or ability to obtain NC licensure through comity)
  • Minimum 8+ years of engineering experience
  • Excellent technical writing skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to travel


Preferred


Experience with one or more of the following:


  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Fire Investigation
  • Failure Analysis
  • Product Liability
  • Heavy Truck Reconstruction
  • Human Factors
  • Vehicle Dynamics
  • Event Data Recorder (EDR) Analysis
  • 3D Modeling or Animation
  • Photogrammetry
  • FARO Laser Scanner
  • Drone Mapping
  • CAD Software
  • Engineering Litigation Support


Certifications such as ACTAR, CFI, FAA Part 107, or Fire Investigation credentials are highly desirable but not required.


What You'll Do


Every investigation is different. One week you may inspect a tractor-trailer collision, while the next you may examine a collapsed structure, investigate a fire scene, evaluate a failed industrial component, or reconstruct a complex multi-vehicle crash. Our engineers work directly with evidence, perform engineering analyses, and present defensible technical opinions that help resolve litigation.


Why Join ARA?


  • Diverse forensic engineering projects
  • Nationally recognized expert witness practice
  • Collaborative team of engineers and fire investigators
  • Opportunities for professional development and specialty certifications
  • Cutting edge forensic technology and equipment
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health benefits
  • Paid time off
  • Continuing education support
  • Retirement plan


Ideal Candidate


We're looking for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, is comfortable working both in the field and the office, and can clearly communicate engineering conclusions to clients, attorneys, judges, and juries. Attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and strong written communication skills are essential.