Senior Staff Consultant - Fire & Explosion

Engineering Systems Inc•Houston, TX

34d

About The Position

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. The position will involve evaluations of mechanical systems, mechanical equipment, appliances, fuel gas systems, etc. The candidate for this position will be responsible for conducting investigations, codes and standards reviews, design evaluations, document reviews as well as site and laboratory inspections including documentation, evidence examination, research, analysis, testing and reporting. The position will also involve providing testimony in court proceedings, both at depositions and trials, as necessary. 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.

Requirements

3+ 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: 1. Fire and explosion investigation 2. Natural gas or propane generation, 3. distribution and use 4. Mechanical and piping systems and 5. equipment 6. Fire protection systems 7. Motors, generators and switchgear 8. Electrical and Electronic Systems 9. Test apparatus and fixtures 10. Personal protection equipment
Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering school required
PE license or the ability to obtain
Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Office; Internet software skills.
2+ years’ work experience, can include summer jobs and/or internships, preferable with consulting engineering firm
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

MS or PhD preferred
CFEI or CFI certification preferred
Some areas of interest or expertise should include the following: Fire and explosion investigation ◦ Natural gas or propane generation, distribution and use ◦ Mechanical and piping systems and equipment ◦

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.
Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
Performs field inspections of residential, commercial, transportation and industrial structures and facilities, etc. to determine cause and origin of reported or suspected damages as well as condition assessments.
Conducts field and laboratory tests of fuel-gas (primarily natural gas and propane) systems including piping, regulators, meters, valves, etc.
Conducts evaluations of the failure mechanisms of appliances, mechanical equipment, HVAC equipment, etc.
Prepares technical, project-related reports for clients as required.
Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
Able to learn how to conduct well-developed and well-prepared client presentations and technical conference presentations.
Able to perform marketing and business development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
Will eventually need to be Willing to testify in court proceedings (depositions and/or trials) on behalf of clients, as required.
Prepares technical, project-related reports for clients as required.
Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.