Electrical Forensic Engineer

NEFCO Fire Investigations seeks an Electrical Forensic Engineer to conduct independent electrical failure examinations and determine whether electrical system faults contributed to fires and property loss.

Responsibilities

• Partner with experienced fire investigators to perform forensic examinations of electrical systems
• Determine how and why electrical failures occur
• Assess whether electrical failures contributed to fires and other property losses
• Conduct independent technical detective work across multiple electrical contexts:
  • Residential fire scenes
  • Commercial fire scenes
  • Industrial facilities and manufacturing plants
  • Heavy equipment
  • Automobiles and specialty vehicles
  • Electrical equipment and appliances
  • Laboratory examinations of electrical components
• Examine electrical and electromechanical components, including (typical examples):
  • Electrical service equipment and panelboards
  • Circuit breakers and fuses
  • Building wiring
  • Switches and receptacles
  • Lighting systems and ceiling fans
  • HVAC equipment
  • Pumps and motors
  • Controls and automation systems
  • Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
  • Transformers, generators, and switchgear
  • Batteries and battery systems
  • Power strips and surge protectors
  • Computers and electronic equipment
  • Commercial food service equipment
  • Industrial machinery
  • Photovoltaic (solar) systems
  • And many other electrical and electromechanical devices
• Work daily with fire investigators, fire marshals, attorneys, insurance carriers, manufacturers, and other engineering experts

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
• Strong knowledge of commercial electrical systems
• Working knowledge of residential household electrical systems preferred
• Experience with troubleshooting, failure analysis, or root cause analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel throughout Texas and surrounding states

Technologies and Tools

• Advanced digital microscopy
• Imaging equipment
• Multimeters
• Insulation testers
• Tone generators

Training and Career Development

• Extensive training in fire investigation and electrical failure analysis
• Training to become a certified X-ray technician
• Hands-on experience using advanced digital microscopy and imaging equipment
• Modern electrical diagnostic equipment, including multimeters, insulation testers, tone generators, and other specialty troubleshooting tools
• Opportunities to design and build laboratory test fixtures
• Technical writing support from in-house technical editors
• Ongoing continuing education and technical training
• Opportunities to teach and mentor others
• Experience providing expert testimony in state and federal courts

Preferred Backgrounds

• Plant Maintenance Manager
• Project Engineer
• Maintenance Engineer
• Reliability Engineer
• Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
• Electrical Design Engineer
• Industrial Electrical Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Power Generation
• Petrochemical or Refinery Engineering
• EPC Project Engineering

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $85,000 - $125,931 per year
• 401(k)
• 401(k) company matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible scheduling
• Ongoing professional development

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday

Work Location and Territory

• Field-based role; candidates should reside in or near the Houston metropolitan area
• On the road
• Home-based: Houston, Texas
• Primary territory: Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and surrounding states

Job Type

• Full-time

Application Question

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?