Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist - Ft Myers

Rimkus•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

Rimkus is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer, preferably with vehicle accident reconstruction experience, to support operations in the Memphis/Nashville areas. The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist / Mechanical Engineer applies technical knowledge to reconstruct vehicle accidents and investigate failures involving vehicle systems such as brakes, transmission, throttle, and steering. The role involves analyzing collisions and vehicle damage, documenting and preserving evidence, conducting collision-scene and vehicle inspections, and investigating automotive or mechanical part failures. The employee prepares timely, accurate reports and demonstrative diagrams and charts, presents findings to clients, analyzes incident causes, and may provide expert testimony in depositions, trials, or other litigation. The position also involves analysis of product liability, design, and safety. The work requires field inspections and physical activity, including moving debris and inspecting commercial vehicles and tractor-trailers. The position requires up to 25% local or regional travel, with possible out-of-area and overnight travel. Overtime will be required during some periods. The description notes that the role is salaried and exempt under the FLSA.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or higher.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required; must be able to obtain P.E. reciprocity in additional states as needed.
At least 8 years of experience.
Strong technical writing and report-writing skills.
ACTAR certification must be obtained within the first year.
Physically able to climb ladders, walk on uneven and unleveled surfaces, enter and work in confined spaces, and crawl under vehicles to inspect damage.
Strong organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, communication, analytical skills, and independent judgment.
Able to remain alert and focused during site and vehicle inspections.
Able to speak and interact with clients, prepare written findings, and testify in depositions or trials.
Must possess the mental aptitude, cognition, concentration, and state of mind necessary to perform the job duties.
Must be able to perform field inspections, move debris, inspect vehicles, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites.
May need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Clear vision and depth perception are necessary.

Nice To Haves

Vehicle accident reconstruction experience is preferred.
Project management and/or field investigation experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Reconstruct vehicular accidents using analysis, CAE-based tools, and test data where appropriate.
Analyze single- and multiple-vehicle collisions, including vehicle damage, speeds, roadway drag factors or coefficients of friction, perception and response times, lamp operation, time-distance relationships, occupant kinematics, vehicle dynamics, braking efficiency of commercial motor vehicle air-brake systems, and potentially intersection traffic signals.
Conduct collision-scene evidence analysis and forensic mapping of collision sites and vehicles.
Evaluate cars, trucks, tractors, and other forms of transportation.
Inspect and analyze automotive or mechanical parts to determine the cause of failure.
Document and preserve evidence.
Prepare written reports of findings, demonstrative diagrams, and charts; present findings to clients.
Analyze and report on the causes of incidents and provide expert testimony in litigation as necessary.
Analyze product liability, design, and safety.
Manage several investigations simultaneously and communicate with clients.
Perform other duties as requested.