Technical Lead - Forensic Electrical Engineering

Technical Lead – Forensic Electrical Engineering

At Haag, a Salas O'Brien company, we've been a trusted leader in forensic engineering and consulting since 1924, helping clients solve complex, high-stakes problems when it matters most. We're known for technical excellence, integrity, and clear, defensible conclusions. We're equally committed to building a career environment where talented engineers can do their best work, grow their expertise, and make a real impact.

In June 2024, Haag merged with Salas O'Brien, expanding what's possible for our team. Haag remains focused on forensic engineering, and we now offer the added strength of a broader, employee-owned organization. This brings deeper technical resources, expanded collaboration, and more opportunities to build your career across a wide range of disciplines and industries.

Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We are engineered for impact, and we bring that same commitment to our people as we do to our projects. We live our values every day: Inspire, Achieve, and Connect, as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for energy, manufacturing and industrial process, data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to deliver outstanding client outcomes and build long-term careers.

Job Summary: You will build, grow, and lead an electrical consulting team completing complex investigations into electrical system failures, fires, and explosions across residential, commercial, and industrial environments. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, ability to mentor and grow staff, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as technical lead on all forensic electrical investigations.
• Direct root cause analysis and damage assessments for electrical systems and components.
• Provide expert guidance and mentoring to engineers and consultants.
• Author detailed forensic reports and ensure technical accuracy.
• Deliver expert witness testimony in depositions and trials.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to define scope and deliverables.
• Maintain high standards for safety and quality during field inspections.
• Work closely with Business Development Managers and the Sales & Marketing team to:
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Identify opportunities to grow service offerings.
• Support proposal development and client presentations.
• Provide technical input for marketing materials and campaigns.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience with electrical systems design or analysis.
• Minimum 5 years in forensic engineering.
• Proven experience in electrical failure investigations, fire, and explosion analysis.
• Expert witness experience strongly preferred.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally.
• Proficiency with industry software and tools.
• Certifications such as CFEI (NAFI), CFI preferred.
• NCEES Record preferred for multi-state licensing.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Licensure:

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas or eligible by reciprocity. Multi-state licensure preferred.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Ability to perform fieldwork, including confined spaces and roof inspections.
• Must be able to carry ladders and operate required equipment.
• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally by vehicle or plane as needed.
• Some overnight travel will be required. However, most investigations can be done without overnight travel.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary range: up to $200,000 per year.
• In addition to the base salary, the compensation plan includes additional, nondiscretionary compensation based on billable productivity above a minimum threshold. Employees may elect at any time to transition to a model based primarily on a higher percentage of their billable rate applied to all billable hours worked. In practice, most employees choose to transition between approximately one and three years, once their billable hours support consistently higher earnings under this model.
• Relocation assistance is available.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.