Senior Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness

Senior Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness

We are a small, intentionally boutique mechanical engineering consulting firm with over 25 years of experience operating at the intersection of rigorous engineering analysis and high-stakes litigation. We specialize in expert witness services for product liability, personal injury, and intellectual property (patent) cases, while also providing product development and forensic engineering support. Our work spans diverse industries including mobile and construction equipment, material handling systems, aerial lifts, thrill rides, exercise equipment, consumer appliances, and more.

We deliberately remain a small team so every engineer has real influence, visibility, and the ability to shape how we work. We communicate with clarity and confidence, stay composed and logical under pressure, take full ownership of our growth and success, and approach every challenge as true engineers — resourceful, critical thinkers who love solving complex problems. We take pride in doing meaningful work the right way, with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Our opinions are scientifically grounded, clearly expressed, and defensible in any courtroom.

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness to immediately step into a recently vacated senior position as our current workload approaches capacity. This is a high-visibility role for a battle-tested mechanical engineer who can contribute at full capacity from day one with minimal onboarding or training.

In this position, you will lead complex forensic investigations and serve as the primary testifying expert on significant cases. You will have the autonomy and support to build your personal brand, mentor junior engineers, and contribute meaningfully to firm direction — without the bureaucracy, limited voice, or capped upside often found in larger organizations. We offer a long-term professional home where your work provides both purpose and fulfillment, allowing you to pursue your broader professional and personal goals.

The role is based in Alpine, UT or Boise, ID, with some travel required for site inspections, depositions, and trial testimony. We are open to relocation for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Lead forensic investigations and root cause analyses of mechanical failures, product performance issues, and accidents using accepted scientific and engineering methodologies.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis, including finite element analysis, simulations, physical testing, and modeling as needed to support opinions.
• Prepare clear, persuasive, defensible, and well-documented expert reports that withstand scrutiny.
• Provide confident, articulate deposition and trial testimony that effectively educates judges and juries on complex technical matters.
• Consult with attorneys on technical issues, case strategy, strengths/weaknesses, and settlement considerations.
• Review and rebut opposing expert opinions with thorough, fact-based counter-analysis.
• Mentor and help elevate junior engineers in forensic techniques, report writing, and courtroom communication.
• Contribute to business development by building your reputation and helping maintain the firm's high standards of excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required (Master's or PhD strongly preferred).
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Utah or Idaho licensure preferred or willingness to obtain).
• Minimum of 5 deposition testimonies as a retained expert witness.
• At least 1 trial testimony experience as a testifying expert.
• Strong demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, persuasively, and accessibly to non-technical audiences (attorneys, judges, and juries).
• Hands-on mechanical design or product development experience is highly valued, particularly in equipment-heavy or consumer product industries.
• High ethical standards, intellectual honesty, and comfort operating under legal scrutiny and cross-examination.

Compensation

Compensation for this role ranges from $200,000 – $300,000 total compensation, depending on experience and testimony track record. The package includes a strong base salary, performance-based bonuses tied to case outcomes and firm success, and significant long-term upside potential through personal brand development and firm growth participation.

We provide a flexible, supportive environment with the resources you need to excel (in-house support staff, testing equipment, simulation tools, and administrative help) so you can focus on high-impact engineering and testimony rather than overhead.