Senior Consultant (Rail Engineering)

About ESi

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses.

Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants.

At ESi, you'll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources.

Why ESi

ESi's Transportation group analyzes automotive, rail, aviation, marine, and commercial vehicle systems to understand performance, failure, and safety. Combining engineering, human factors, biomechanics, and materials science, the team applies advanced reconstruction and modeling tools to support investigations and proactive design efforts that improve transportation safety and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares and reviews project proposals or plans to determine time frame, funding limitations, appropriate procedures, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of the project.
• Confers with project team members to outline work plan and to assist in performing duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
• Directs and coordinates activities with project personnel to ensure projects are progressing on schedule and within prescribed budgets.
• Performs field inspections of derailments/rail incidents, cars and locomotives, and railway facilities.
• Prepares technical, project-related reports for clients as required.
• Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems.
• Prepares and conducts well-developed and well-prepared client presentations and technical conference presentations.
• Works in SME/Expert capacity as industry and litigation expert, providing presentations and possible deposition and/or trial testimony.
• Actively participates in Business Development activities, including client meetings, presentations, and appropriate conferences.
• Mentors earlier-career employees in growth and development.
• Actively seeks to develop professionally in skills, experience, and industry reputation.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Licenses Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university required; mechanical or civil engineering preferred; Master's degree a plus.
• Other degrees may be considered based on actual railroad practical application, management, or relevant hands-on experience.
• P.E. license (or ability to obtain) preferred but not mandatory depending on experience.

Experience Required

• Greater than 10 years of experience performing engineering-related investigations, track material inspections, report writing and preparations, and extensive familiarity with other railroad disciplines.
• Hands-on experience in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory compliance with 49 CFR Parts 200-299.
• Experience with track, maintenance, and/or inspection; hands-on experience in railroad accident/incident investigation including report preparation.

Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills

• Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite and Internet software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex rail engineering concepts clearly to legal and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to interact with clients professionally and develop business internally and externally.
• Must be available to travel as part of the national practice.

What We Can Offer You

We believe great work happens when people feel supported, challenged, and trusted. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance/Universal Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Pet Insurance
• Competitive salary with merit-based or annual bonus programs
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) - encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year
• 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
• Work/Life Balance in a collaborative working environment
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Career Growth & Continuing education opportunities

Total compensation includes a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity, with final pay determined by job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, individual performance, and overall company performance.

Physical Demands:

This role requires frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance. This position frequently requires handling and operating specialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites, industrial settings, and damaged or compromised structures. The work environment may include exposure to varying noise levels, weather conditions, uneven terrain, and site-specific hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on site conditions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To all recruitment agencies: ESi does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of ESi without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of ESi. Please, no phone calls or emails.

ESi is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified individuals based on merit, experience, and skills. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with applicable laws, ESi actively supports the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.