Project Consultant

Job Description

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE: The Consultant will apply scientific methodology to investigate and determine the cause and failures, which may lead to legal or insurance claims, including both civil and criminal; potentially assisting a court or other parties to determine the facts of a failure or accident. The forensic consultant may be called upon to determine the cause of an incident, the potential to have avoided the loss, and the assessment of human factors. The Consultant will primarily work with insurance adjusters but may also work with attorneys. Other assignments may include the analysis of property damage, fire and explosions, catastrophic claims, and equipment/machinery failures.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigates the cause of vehicle accidents and failures, damages, or defects in the mechanical fields within industrial, commercial, and residential sites.
• Analyzes the failure of mechanical systems, determines the cause of failures, the extent of damages, the scope of repairs, and the cost to return equipment to a pre-loss condition..
• Participates in catastrophe responses such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, wildland fires, and earthquakes.
• Performs field investigations and documentation of damaged property.
• Researches failure modes and code requirements as needed, prepares recommendations for repair and/or remediation as appropriate.
• Prepares accurate, clear, thorough, and concise reports and letters outlining the cause and origin of the damages to clients. Follows established policies, procedures, and processes in preparing information, exercising sound judgment in applying these to potentially unusual or complicated situations, and submits reports and documents in a timely manner and in accordance with client’s standards and expectations.
• Provides deposition or expert testimony as a fact or expert witness for product liability cases, for civil or federal court cases, and, occasionally, criminal cases, to investigate and testify in a deposition or courtroom setting, about the cause, extent or source of damages or professional liability.
• Maintains established relationships with current clients and consultants.
• Proactively works with multi-disciplinary teams on large and complex assignments while contributing as an effective member of the team, assisting co-workers as needed and learning from colleagues and supervisors.
• Stays abreast of office and company policies, procedures, and practices; participates in ongoing training and development as assigned or approved to assure knowledge and skills remain current and comprehensive.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities/Experience:

• At least 3 years’ practical mechanical engineering experience.
• Familiarity with vehicle systems and/or general automotive experience
• Mechanical aptitude - familiarity with tools, equipment, troubleshooting electrical issues

• Skills in analyzing, interpreting, synthesizing, prioritizing, and reporting pertinent information.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Exemplary time management and organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy, to execute tasks and meet deadlines.
• Committed to being an effective and collaborative team member.
• Sound written and oral communication skills, problem-solving, influencing, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in catastrophic environments such as the aftermath of natural disasters, weather events, etc., for an extended period.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (including but not limited to Word, Excel, Outlook) and CRM software.
• Commitment to confidentiality and to discreetly handle sensitive information.
• Safety mindset with the ability to foresee project risks associated with investigations.
• Capable of operating technical equipment such as cameras, moisture meters, zip-levels, laser type measurement instruments.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in a work capacity.
• Teamwork, compassion, and respect toward others, in keeping with our 5 Guiding Principles, as well as integrity, accountability and adherence to standards of ethical behavior and professional conduct, and open and honest communication.

Preferred Skills/Abilities/Experience:

• Electro-mechanical experience is desirable.
• Experience with aerial photography, i.e., drones and/or photogrammetry (or software such as 3DF Zephyr, Pix4D, Agisoft, etc.)
• Experience with mechanical testing, technical report writing, and/or technical research
• Familiarity with digital forensics software and techniques, and/or experience with video editing software and analyses
• Familiarity with vehicle/automotive systems and/or specific automotive experience
• Forensic experience is a plus.