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Forensic Engineering Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Engineering information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$41.1K

$121.4K

$307.3K

How much do forensic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic engineering in Tucson, AZ is $121,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 need for qualified forensic engineers is driven by legal cases, insurance claims, and safety regulations, making it a stable career choice for those with engineering expertise and investigative skills.

How do I become a forensic engineer?

To become a forensic engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, along with experience in engineering practice. Many forensic engineers also pursue professional engineering licensure and develop skills in investigation, report writing, and courtroom testimony. Gaining specialized knowledge in accident reconstruction, failure analysis, or materials testing can enhance qualifications.

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 evidence, conduct inspections, prepare reports, and may testify in court. They work in various fields such as structural, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications.

What do forensic engineers do?

Forensic engineers investigate failures, accidents, or damages to determine their causes and assess liability. They analyze physical evidence, review records, and often prepare reports or testify in court, using skills in engineering, investigation, and documentation. Their work supports legal and insurance processes related to structural, mechanical, or electrical failures.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Engineering jobs in Tucson, AZ?

For Forensic Engineering jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Engineering jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Engineering jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Forensic Engineering jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Forensic Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Engineering job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $121,375 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Multi-Discipline Engineer II - (Onsite)

Tucson, AZ • On-site


Prattwhitney
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$68.90 - $131.10/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Date Posted: 2026-07-21 Country: United States of America Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX. At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

This position will offer a qualified candidate the opportunity to solve engineering problems by performing chemical analysis on various materials (adhesives, polymers, tapes, composites, metals, and various other production materials). Tasks will require quick turn of analysis working with a multi-discipline team, requiring careful attention to detail and can be repetitive at times. This is not a research position, but instead requires solving engineering problems and providing engineering solutions within a short period of time (days or weeks). Opportunity to work in Materials Engineering Laboratory in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

The primary responsibilities require assessing materials based on conformance to specifications or conducting root cause failure analysis leveraging knowledge of instrumental analysis, including spectroscopy, chromatography and thermal analysis. Collaboration with engineers, subject matter experts, and suppliers is required. Candidates must be able to manage and coordinate a wide variety of simultaneous tasks within set schedule requirements, while spending much of their time in the laboratory. This candidate will become part of a multi-disciplined team. Due to the physical nature of the work, qualified candidates must also be able to lift 22 lbs.

Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, or related field
  • Experience with Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, including Infrared Spectroscopy, Chromatography and Thermal Analysis (ie: FTIR, DSC, DMA, TGA, GCMS, HPLC, GPC, etc..)
  • Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.
  • U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
  • Experience in Material Science and Polymer Science, with knowledge of material testing/analysis
  • Experience with material safety datasheets and large scale scientific based projects
  • Experience with writing concise technical reports summarizing analyses
  • Experience with troubleshooting analytical instrument problems, perform analysis and interpret data
  • Experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
What We Offer
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee Scholar Program
  • Parental leave
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

The salary range for this role is 68,900 USD - 131,100 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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About Pratt & Whitney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US


What Pratt & Whitney employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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