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Forensic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Carnegie, PA · On-site

Forensic Engineer, Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Management, Residential Construction, Residential Design. To learn more about us visit donan.com

Donan

Forensic Engineer Contractor

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Forensic Engineer, Civil Engineer, Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Management, Residential Construction, Residential Design. To learn more about us visit donan.com

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Forensic Engineer information

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$43.5K

$128.4K

$325K

How much do forensic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineer in the United States is $128,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the field of forensic engineering, salaries reaching $500,000 are rare and typically occur at senior levels with extensive experience, specialized expertise, or leadership roles in large firms. High earnings may also be associated with consulting, complex cases, or working in industries like aerospace or oil and gas, where advanced skills and certifications are valued. Most forensic engineers earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with top earners exceeding this range through reputation and specialization.

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, attention to detail, 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.

Is AI taking over forensics?

Forensic engineers are increasingly using AI and machine learning tools to analyze data, identify patterns, and assist in investigations. While AI enhances efficiency and accuracy, human expertise remains essential for interpretation, decision-making, and complex case analysis in forensic work.

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.
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Forensic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 34% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,375 per year, or $61.7 per hour.
Biomechanical Engineer - Forensic Investigator

Biomechanical Engineer - Forensic Investigator

Robson Forensic

Lancaster, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

You have a Ph.D. in an Engineering discipline and Bioengineering/Biomechanics experience involving human body kinematics and kinetics or injury research. You want to use your training, education, and experience in a new and meaningful way.


You are already an expert. Robson Forensic will train you to be a forensic expert.


As a Biomechanical Engineering Forensic Expert, you will:

  • Apply scientific and engineering principles of bioengineering and biomechanics to investigate incidents involving claimed injuries/fatalities due to an event.
  • Analyze and evaluate the technical and scientific aspects of incidents, injuries, and medical device failures.
  • Write clear, scientifically sound reports.
  • Provide expert testimony.


You will delve into the technical and scientific aspects of incidents, determining how and why an injury occurred from an engineering standpoint. You will analyze the forces and motions involved to figure out if the alleged injuries are consistent with the event. Areas of investigation include injury biomechanics/orthopedic biomechanics applied to events such as vehicle collisions, sports & recreation, occupation, assaults, falls, etc. This role offers you a chance to:

  • Use your cumulative training, experience, and critical thinking skills.
  • Collaborate with highly respected experts.
  • Continuously learn and grow.
  • Make a tangible difference.


Location: Lancaster, PA (hybrid)


Requirements:

  • Education: Ph.D. in an engineering discipline & a B.S. in Engineering from an ABET-accredited University
  • Experience: Bioengineering/biomechanics experience involving human body kinematics and kinetics or injury research; Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) experience is a plus.
  • Skills: Excellent technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
  • Work Style: Approx. 20% travel for training; the remainder is focused on reviewing case materials, analysis and documentation preparation, working independently and as part of a collaborative team, case and client management.
  • Prior forensic experience is not required. We seek professionals eager to apply their deep biomechanical knowledge to a challenging new domain.


You must have a clean background screen, a driver’s license, and the ability to drive.


ABOUT US:

Robson Forensic is a national leader in expert witness consulting, providing technical expertise across many fields within engineering, architecture, science, and a broad range of specialty disciplines.

Employees at Robson Forensic work alongside highly respected experts from both industry and academia. Our forensic experts are engaged in meaningful casework that is consequential to industry and society. Robson Forensic provides a unique working dynamic that blends collaboration and autonomy.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding position, and you meet our minimum requirements, please apply, and attach your resume and cover letter (outlining your professional background and expertise). We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.