Senior Consultant, Vehicle Accident Reconstruction, Mechanical

Responsible for investigating, analyzing, and reconstructing collisions involving passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other road users; investigating and analyzing mechanical failures.

Duties include inspecting and documenting vehicles, collision sites, and failed or damaged mechanical equipment; conducting analyses and simulations as needed to answer our client’s questions; preparing and presenting demonstrative diagrams, charts, and analyses of the cause and origin of collisions and mechanical failures. Document and preserve evidence obtained, deliver verbal and written reports of findings, and provide expert testimony in litigation as necessary.

Salary Range: $104,100-$156,100

Requirements

• DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Interface with clients to determine scope of collision reconstruction and Mechanical Engineering assignments.
• Inspect vehicles to document damage and determine the function of vehicle systems including tires, suspension, brakes, steering, and lamps.
• Download event data and other electronic data from passenger and commercial vehicles.
• Map collision sites to document roadway evidence, lines of sight, and traffic controls.
• Analyze field data, police records, and other evidence to determine vehicle speeds and trajectories, timing and sequence of events, driver perception-response times, time-distance relationships, and identify causative factors that led to a collision.
• Reconstruct vehicle collisions using engineering analysis, computer simulation tools, and test data where appropriate.
• Perform damage analysis, speeds from damage (energy), coefficient of friction of roadway, time and distance relationships, lamp analysis, occupant kinematics, vehicle dynamics, perception-response times, braking efficiency of air brake systems on commercial motor vehicles, and intersection traffic signal analysis.
• Inspect and analyze mechanical systems to determine the cause of failure.
• Analyze product liability, design, and safety.
• Clearly communicate findings by way of verbal and written reports.
• Provide sworn deposition and trial testimony of findings as required.
• Perform other duties and assist other Consultants/disciplines as requested.
• REQUIRED SKILLS and ABILITIES: Accident Reconstruction professional/industry working experience is highly desirable
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Independent judgment; strong analytical skills.
• Ability to provide expert witness testimony.
• Mechanical skills and experience in machinery/equipment, such as HVAC, plumbing, appliances, commercial/industrial equipment, and fire protection systems highly desirable.
• REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS: B.S. Mechanical Engineering required.
• PE or EIT with ability to obtain license required.
• ACTAR certification preferred
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering preferred.
• 2-10+ years’ experience required
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS, OVERTIME & TRAVEL: Physical Demands – Standard
• Overtime – Standard
• Travel Requirements –
• Overnight travel 1-4 times per month
• 80% In office
• 20 % In field
• 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 Employer 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.