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Forensic Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Conduct field investigations, condition assessments, and forensic analyses of existing structures ... Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, construction documents, and specifications.

The engineer should have experience and interest in the area of restoration, rehabilitation, renovation, water infiltration, building envelope issues in addition to forensic engineering work. The ...

Job Title: (MEP) Engineer Pay rate: $55 - $65/hour DOE Location: Tukwila, WA Schedule: Full-time, ... Analyze HVAC systems from a forensic and verification perspective. * Perform code compliance ...

Perform forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering and building sciences expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the ...

Perform forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering and building sciences expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the ...

Manage geotechnical, forensic, and construction projects * Interact directly with clients and ... Perform engineering analyses, including: * Foundation design and evaluation * Slope stability ...

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Manage geotechnical, forensic, and construction projects * Interact directly with clients and ... Perform engineering analyses, including: * Foundation design and evaluation * Slope stability ...

Manage geotechnical, forensic, and construction projects * Interact directly with clients and ... Perform engineering analyses, including: * Foundation design and evaluation * Slope stability ...

Perform forensic assignments within the field of civil/structural engineering and building sciences expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the ...

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Forensic Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$49.7K

$146.7K

$371.3K

How much do forensic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineer in Seattle, WA is $146,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $148,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and an accredited engineering degree, often paired with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with specialized investigation tools, CAD software, and report-writing systems is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are essential for accurately analyzing incidents, preparing clear technical reports, and providing credible expert testimony in legal contexts.

What does a forensic engineer do?

A forensic engineer investigates failures, accidents, or damages to determine their causes and liability. They analyze physical evidence, conduct inspections, and prepare reports often used in legal cases, requiring skills in engineering, problem-solving, and knowledge of relevant codes and standards.

What are forensic engineers?

Forensic engineers are professionals who investigate materials, products, structures, or components that fail or do not operate as intended, often to determine the causes of accidents or failures. Their work is crucial in legal cases where technical expertise is needed to explain how and why something went wrong, such as in building collapses, machinery malfunctions, or vehicle crashes. Forensic engineers analyze evidence, conduct tests, and may provide expert testimony in court. They often have backgrounds in civil, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering disciplines.

Are forensic engineers in demand?

Forensic engineers are in steady demand due to their role in investigating failures, accidents, and structural issues across various industries. Employment opportunities are often linked to construction, insurance, and legal sectors, with a need for strong technical skills and relevant certifications. The field is expected to grow as infrastructure and safety regulations evolve.

What Is a Forensic Engineer?

A forensic engineer specializes in accident and failure analysis of structures or product that have failed to perform correctly and to discover whether there is a design flaw. As a forensic engineer, your responsibilities include examining the product or structure that did not perform as intended, collecting and analyzing the evidence and making recommendations for future preventative measures. Your job is to oversee the investigation of the design, materials, and all other contributing factors in the failure, to prevent future incidents.

What is the difference between Forensic Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectForensic EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, Professional Engineer (PE) license, specialized training in accident or failure analysisEngineering degree, PE license, focus on structural design and analysis
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, courtrooms, consulting firms, insurance companiesConstruction sites, design offices, consulting firms
Industry UsageLegal cases, failure analysis, accident investigationsBuilding design, construction, structural assessments

While both roles require engineering credentials and a PE license, forensic engineers focus on investigating failures and providing expert testimony in legal cases, often working in investigative and courtroom settings. Structural engineers primarily design and analyze structures, working on construction projects and structural assessments. The two roles overlap in engineering expertise but differ in their primary functions and work environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior forensic engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in consulting roles or in high-demand industries. Achieving this level typically requires advanced expertise, leadership responsibilities, and a strong reputation in the field.

What are some common challenges forensic engineers face during investigations?

Forensic engineers often encounter challenges such as incomplete or damaged evidence, tight deadlines, and the need to communicate complex technical findings to non-experts like legal teams or juries. They must meticulously document their work and maintain objectivity, as their analyses may be scrutinized in court. Collaboration with other specialists, such as law enforcement or insurance investigators, is key to piecing together accurate conclusions from limited information.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Forensic engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized engineering roles like petroleum or software engineering at senior levels. Achieving this income often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or leadership positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Forensic Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Forensic Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Forensic Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,666 per year, or $70.5 per hour.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer-Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction (56342)

ATS FAMILY

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


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 Seattle, WA; 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, preferred.
  • 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