This position is responsible for conducting origin & cause investigations of fire and explosion incidents, including site inspection and documentation, evidence examination, research, analysis, testing and reporting. Candidate will market the company and self to obtain and/or maintain client base and build business. Plan, manage and coordinate activities for client projects to ensure that goals/objectives of projects are accomplished within prescribed timeframe and funding parameters by performing the following duties personally or with the assistance of other consulting/engineering staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepares and reviews project proposals or plans to determine time frame, funding limitations, and procedures for accomplishing project, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of project.
- Makes determination to accept or decline potential new projects based on all variables.
- Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
- Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel to ensure projects progress on schedule and within prescribed budgets.
- Performs field inspections of residential, commercial, marine, transportation and industrial structures and facilities, etc. to determine cause and origin of reported or suspected damages as well as condition assessments.
- Prepares technical, project-related reports for clients as required.
- Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
- Conducts well-developed and well-prepared client presentations and technical conference presentations.
- Perform marketing and business development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
- Mentors junior consultants in growth and development.
- Testifies in court proceedings (depositions and/or trials) on behalf of clients, as required.
Experience Requirements:
- 5-10 years’ experience in forensic consulting working with the insurance and legal fields.
- Strong background in fire science and technology, mechanical/electrical theory and systems, fire protection, etc.; skilled in fire origin and cause investigation with a significant amount of experience in field investigative issues; thorough understanding of industry-accepted fire and explosion standards (NFPA, ASME, ASTM, etc.)
- Experience can range from structural fires to machinery and equipment failures to electrical power generation and distribution equipment, and covers such areas as industrial machines, HVAC equipment, construction and heavy machinery, consumer electronics, appliances, tools, and all types of transportation elements such as commercial/industrial vehicles.
- Some areas of expertise should include the following:
- Fire and explosion investigation
- Natural gas or propane generation, distribution and use
- Mechanical and piping systems and equipment
- Fire protection systems
- Motors, generators and switchgear
- Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Test apparatus and fixtures
- Personal protection equipment
Education Requirements:
- BSME or BSEE required; MS or Ph.D. preferred
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- PE License Required
- CFEI or CFI Certification preferred
Other Skills/Abilities or Other Qualifications:
- Ability to interact with clients in a professional manner and develop business both internally and externally.
- Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
- Experience preparing technical reports and providing expert testimony as required.
- Must be available to travel 50% as part of the national practice of which 33% will be field/site inspections.
- Must be able to work or travel on weekends and holidays as required.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. Able to climb ladders and lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work in small spaces. Must be able to kneel, squat, or bend. Must be able to pass a pulmonary function test and wear a respirator.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to work outdoors in hot/cold weather conditions.
