Forensic Mechanical Engineer
Posted 15 Apr 2026
Advertised as “Forensic Mechanical Engineer - Detroit, MI”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 2+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- Remote
- Contract
- Full-time
No salary listed for this role.
CertificationsP.E.
Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!
Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and environmental solutions.
NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!
Requirements
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. Although this is a remote position, you must reside in the territory of Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing or Grand Rapids.
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.