Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) - Premises Liability
Location
Nashville, TN or Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-Time
Work Setting
Hybrid
Travel & Field Work
Up to 40%
Compensation
Grade 4 - Project Manager: $110,000-$135,000
Team
Premises Liability
Position Overview
Knott Laboratory is seeking a licensed Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) to join our growing Premises Liability team. This role is well suited for a technically strong, detail-oriented engineer who enjoys applying mechanical engineering, safety, and forensic analysis principles to real-world incidents.
The Mechanical Engineer will investigate workplace injuries, accessibility-related incidents, and other accidents occurring on commercial, industrial, and public premises. The role will evaluate equipment, walking-working surfaces, access systems, building components, maintenance practices, and site conditions to determine how an incident occurred and whether applicable codes, standards, or accepted engineering practices were met. The engineer will develop clear, objective, and defensible technical opinions to support clients in complex claims and litigation.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct site inspections and field investigations involving workplace injuries and premises liability incidents, including slips, trips, falls, ladder and stair incidents, falls from elevation, struck-by or caught-between events, and incidents involving doors, gates, loading areas, platforms, guards, barriers, or other mechanical and facility systems.
- Investigate accessibility-related incidents and evaluate site conditions for compliance with applicable ADA accessibility requirements, adopted building codes, and other relevant accessibility standards.
- Evaluate the design, installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, and condition of equipment, building systems, walking-working surfaces, and access or egress features.
- Analyze physical evidence, measurements, photographs, video, drawings, maintenance and inspection records, policies, incident documentation, and witness information to identify causal and contributing factors.
- Apply mechanical engineering principles to assess forces, motion, component performance, failure modes, guarding, friction, stability, loading, and other technical issues relevant to an incident.
- Research and evaluate applicable OSHA regulations, consensus standards, manufacturer instructions, safety practices, building codes, and industry guidance based on the facts and jurisdiction of each matter.
- Perform engineering calculations, testing, modeling, or demonstrative analyses as appropriate to the assignment.
- Prepare clear, concise, and defensible technical reports, exhibits, and presentations that communicate methodology, findings, and opinions to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Collaborate with clients, attorneys, claims professionals, property representatives, and Knott Laboratory's multidisciplinary experts throughout the investigation and litigation process.
- Manage multiple projects, including scope, schedule, documentation, client communication, and deadlines.
- Provide deposition and trial testimony as qualified and needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program.
- Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability and willingness to obtain additional state licensure as business needs require.
- Five or more years of relevant engineering experience in forensic engineering, safety, mechanical design, facilities, industrial operations, accident investigation, or a related field.
- Experience conducting field inspections, documenting physical evidence, and evaluating accidents, failures, or safety conditions.
- Working knowledge of mechanical systems, workplace safety principles, codes, standards, and technical documentation.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, maintenance records, standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and technical writing skills.
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly, objectively, and professionally.
- Ability to travel and perform field work in commercial, industrial, and public environments, including occasional evening or weekend assignments based on case needs.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet company travel requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in forensic engineering, premises liability, workplace injury investigation, litigation support, insurance claims, or expert consulting.
- Experience evaluating ADA accessibility, walking-working surfaces, stairs, ramps, handrails, guardrails, ladders, loading areas, machinery, doors, gates, or fall-protection systems.
- Familiarity with OSHA requirements, accessibility standards, building and property maintenance codes, and relevant ANSI, ASME, ASTM, or other consensus standards.
- Experience with slip, trip, and fall analysis, coefficient-of-friction testing, human factors, biomechanics, accident reconstruction, failure analysis, or safety engineering.
- Experience preparing expert reports and providing deposition or trial testimony.
- Ability to translate technical findings into clear, client-friendly language while maintaining objectivity and professional independence.
Work Environment
- Hybrid role with remote-work flexibility.
- Combination of home-office analytical work, field investigations, project site visits, laboratory or testing activities, client meetings, and courtroom testimony.
- Field work may involve active construction sites, industrial facilities, exterior environments, uneven terrain, stairs, ladders, confined areas, or exposure to weather and operating equipment, with appropriate training and personal protective equipment.
- Travel may include daytime, evening, overnight, or occasional weekend commitments based on case needs.
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on quality, integrity, professional growth, and continuous learning.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $110,000-$135,000, based on experience and credentials.
- Matching 401(k).
- Company Profit Sharing Plan.
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
- Professional Development Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,200 per year.
- Support for certifications, licensure, continued technical development, and expert witness growth.
