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Forensic Engineering Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 3-5 years of mechanical engineering experience within insurance or legal forensics. * Residency in Midwest region of United States is ...

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Wichita, KS · Hybrid

$130K - $170K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 3-5 years of mechanical engineering experience within insurance or legal forensics. * Residency in Midwest region of United States is ...

Technical Expertise • Provide nationwide engineering/design technical excellence leadership ... Provide forensic analysis on quality issues and sponsor plan and deployment of any corrective ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forensic Engineering information

See Kansas salary details

$38.8K

$114.5K

$289.9K

How much do forensic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineering in Kansas is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $115,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic engineers during investigations, and how are they typically addressed?

Forensic engineers often encounter challenges such as incomplete or contaminated evidence, time constraints, and the need to communicate complex technical findings to non-engineers like legal professionals. To address these issues, they follow strict protocols for evidence collection and documentation, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and utilize advanced analytical tools to reconstruct incidents as accurately as possible. Additionally, they invest significant effort in preparing clear, concise reports and expert testimony to ensure their findings are understood in legal settings.

What is the difference between Forensic Engineering vs Structural Engineering?

AspectForensic EngineeringStructural Engineering
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, Professional Engineer (PE) license, specialized training in failure analysisEngineering degree, PE license, focus on design and analysis of structures
Work EnvironmentInvestigative settings, laboratories, accident sites, courtroomsDesign offices, construction sites, project sites
Industry UsageLegal cases, failure investigations, insurance claimsBuilding design, construction, infrastructure projects

Forensic Engineering and Structural Engineering share foundational engineering credentials but differ in focus. Forensic engineers investigate failures and accidents, often working in legal and investigative contexts, while structural engineers design and analyze structures for safety and compliance. Both roles require engineering expertise, but their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

What is forensic engineering?

Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles and practices to investigate failures or accidents in structures, materials, or products. Forensic engineers analyze evidence from incidents such as building collapses, fires, or equipment malfunctions to determine the root cause. Their findings are often used in legal cases, insurance claims, and to improve safety standards. This field combines engineering expertise with investigative skills to help resolve disputes and prevent future failures.

Are forensic engineers in demand?

Forensic engineering is a specialized field with steady demand, especially in areas such as construction, accident investigation, and failure analysis. The profession often requires strong technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of engineering principles, and job opportunities are expected to grow with infrastructure development and legal cases involving engineering failures.

What are the jobs of forensic engineering?

Forensic engineering involves investigating failures or accidents to determine their causes, often for legal or insurance purposes. Forensic engineers analyze physical evidence, conduct inspections, prepare reports, and may testify in court. They work in environments such as construction sites, laboratories, or accident scenes, often requiring engineering licenses and specialized knowledge in materials, structures, or failure analysis.

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 solid background in engineering principles, failure analysis, and investigative techniques, typically supported by a degree in engineering and relevant licensure (such as a Professional Engineer license). Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and laboratory testing equipment is commonly required, and certifications like CFEI (Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills set outstanding forensic engineers apart. These competencies are vital for accurately determining causes of failure, presenting clear findings, and supporting legal proceedings or insurance claims.

How much do forensic engineers make in the US?

Forensic engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals and those holding advanced certifications earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specialization within the field.
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineering jobs in Kansas? For Forensic Engineering jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Engineering jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Engineering jobs in Kansas are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Engineering job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

J.S. Held LLC

Wichita, KS • On-site, Remote

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


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
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 3-5 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 30-50% 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 team'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 we'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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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