Forensic Mechanical Engineer/HVAC experience - Richmond, VA

Job Description

Job Description

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!

Rimkus ( is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company!  We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement! 

Overview

Provides failure analysis and forensic consulting services requiring mechanical engineering expertise for insurance, legal, industrial, and other clients. Evaluates injury, equipment, and property damage claims caused by alleged issues with products, heavy equipment, machines, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and other mechanical systems.  Provides oral and written reports of findings, technical guidance to clients, and, when needed, expert testimony. 

Essential Job Functions

• Performs failure analysis for forensic assignments within the field of mechanical engineering expertise based on a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client before performing the work.  
• Investigates how and why an incident occurred, including identifying the origin, failure mechanism, and root cause of the incident, as well as the role of the mechanical system in question.
• Inspects sites/products/equipment/systems ; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions and determines cause and origin of damage; performs site surveys with total station survey, scanners, drones, and other means of 3D documentation; performs mechanical engineering calculations; prepares CAD-based and manual sketches as required; orders and evaluates required laboratory testing and performs analyses.
• Reviews and interprets relevant codes, standards, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, peer-reviewed literature, data logs, and other documentation to evaluate the compliance of the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the subject product, equipment, or system.
• Conducts various analyses including, but not limited to, industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure, product liability; and design and safety.
• Provides support on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment.
• Initiates, develops, and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employee and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

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Requirements

Required Education and Certifications

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree or higher. 
• Ph.D. or Forensic experience with P.E. required.
• 2-10+ years of experience, including knowledge of products, machine design, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and/or other mechanical equipment/systems/processes.  
• Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience required Strongly preferred. 

Required Skills and Abilities

• Must have high level of analytical skill. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external). 
• Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.  
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents. 
• Ability to clearly and coherently write scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents. 
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. 
• Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors. 

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements

Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e. accident sites). Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.

Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with in order to meet the demands of the position.

Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 25% travel.  Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home