U.S. Forensic, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, assists commercial and industrial clients by performing forensic evaluations, reporting, and expert witness testimony. The firm's capabilities include accident reconstruction; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; fire origin and cause; and environmental services. U.S. Forensic tailors its consulting engineering services to meet each client's unique needs, and its experienced forensic engineers and investigators support a wide range of industries. As part of the ATS family, the company also offers expanded capabilities in testing, inspection, and calibration when a broader scope of services is required.
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. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today, ATS employs nearly 2,100 team members across more than 95 locations throughout the United States.
Together, U.S. Forensic and ATS are driven by a shared purpose to create a safe and reliable world, delivering assurance through precise technical and professional services.
Position Overview
U.S. Forensic is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Mechanical Forensic Engineer with experience conducting independent forensic investigations involving mechanical systems, machinery, equipment, plumbing components, and vehicles. This role sits remotely and requires frequent travel to inspection sites, hands on field investigations, evidence collection, plus preparation of clear, scientifically sound technical reports.
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: The ideal candidate will be based in and able to support the Great Plains Region (IA, KS, MO, MN)
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent forensic investigations and failure analyses involving mechanical systems, building components, plus equipment
- Perform field inspections and investigate failures involving mechanical and/or electrical systems including HVAC systems, plumbing, machinery, appliances, consumer products, vehicles, heavy equipment, fire suppression systems, and fires
- Collect, document, plus preserve physical evidence from loss or incident scenes
- Analyze data using engineering principles, industry standards, plus accepted forensic methodologies
- Determine root cause and contributing factors of failures or damage
- Prepare detailed, scientifically accurate, plus concise technical reports documenting findings plus conclusions
- Collaborate with clients, legal teams, insurance carriers, plus internal staff
- Provide deposition or testimony support as needed
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable codes, standards, regulations, plus forensic engineering best practices
- Travel approximately 25% for inspections and site visits
- Other duties as assigned
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- Demonstrated experience in failure analysis, forensic engineering, or related investigative work
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials behavior, plus failure mechanisms
- Experience with evaluating vehicles is preferred
- Experience with electrical systems and/or fire investigations is preferred
- Experience with technical report writing for legal or insurance audiences
- Testifying or deposition experience preferred
- Ability to work independently in a remote or field-based environment
- Proficiency with common engineering software, data analysis tools, and documentation platforms
- Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with company insurance requirements
- Must be able to successfully pass a background check
Core Skills
- Strong analytical plus problem solving abilities
- Application of scientific method and forensic investigation techniques
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail with documentation accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines
- Inquisitive, observant, and methodical investigative approach
Physical Demands
This role is physically demanding and requires the following:
- Ability to lift tools and equipment up to 35 pounds
- Frequent bending, kneeling, twisting, plus crawling in confined spaces such as attics and/or crawl spaces
- Ability to safely climb plus work from ladders for roof access when required
- Ability to walk on steep sloped, low sloped, or flat roof surfaces when required
- Ability to withstand extreme temperatures while performing inspections outdoors or in attics
- Ability to complete detailed report writing at a desk following field investigations
EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability
Applied Technical Services, LLC 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.
U.S. Persons Only
A requirement of this position is access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, the company will consider only "U.S. Persons" for this position. A "U.S. Person" includes (a) U.S. citizens or nationals; (b) U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e., "green card" holders); (c) persons granted refugee status; or (d) persons granted asylum in the United States. This information is collected solely for purposes of complying with U.S. export control requirements and will not be used to unlawfully discriminate in the hiring process.
Please note, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an active agreement and prior coordination with our Talent team will not be eligible for placement fees.
