Forensic Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR required) - Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC, Savannah, GA areas
Rimkus
Worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting, specializing in forensic, built‑environment, disputes & labs.
Perform vehicle accident reconstructions and forensic mechanical failure analyses.
5 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
Savannah, GA
Field
Company Size
1,500 Employees
Service Specialisms
Forensic Engineering
Consulting
Engineering
Litigation Support
Property Damage Assessments
Risk Management
Technical Services
Expert Witness Services
Sector Specialisms
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC)
Developers, Owners, and Managers
Government
Healthcare Technology
Hospitality, Retail, and Restaurant
Industrial
Insurance
Marine
Role
Description
accident reconstruction
failure analysis
damage analysis
forensic mapping
client reporting
expert testimony
Analyze product liability, design, and safety.
Conducts various analyses including, but not limited to, industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure; product liability, and design and safety.
Work involves documenting and preserving evidence, preparing written reports of findings, and providing expert testimony in litigation as necessary.
Evaluate cars, trucks, tractors, or other various forms of transportation.
Investigates how and why an incident occurred, including identifying the origin, failure mechanism, and root cause of the incident, as well as the role of the mechanical system in question.
Inspect and analyze automotive or mechanical parts to determine the cause of failure.
Responsibility will include analyzing single and multiple vehicle collisions, performing damage analysis, speed analysis, roadway drag factors or coefficient of friction of roadway, perception and response times, lamp analysis, time-distance relationships, occupant kinematics, vehicle dynamics, braking efficiency of air brake systems on commercial motor vehicles and possibly intersection traffic signal analysis. etc.
Inspects sites/products/equipment/systems; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions, determines cause and origin of damage; performs site surveys with total station survey, scanners, drones, and other means of 3D documentation; performs mechanical engineering calculations; prepares CAD-based and manual sketches as required; orders and evaluates required laboratory testing and performs analyses.
Reconstructing vehicular accidents using analysis, CAE-based tools, and test data where appropriate.
Initiates, develops, and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.
The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist will also prepare and present demonstrative diagrams and charts and provide an analysis of the cause of various incidents.
Provides support on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment.
Reviews and interprets relevant codes, standards, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, peer-reviewed literature, data logs, and other documentation to evaluate the compliance of the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the subject product, equipment, or system.
Performing damage analysis, speeds from damage (energy), coefficient of friction of roadway, time and distance relationships, lamp analysis, occupant kinematics, vehicle dynamics, perception and response times, braking efficiency of air brake systems on commercial motor vehicles, and possibly intersection traffic signal analysis.
Performs failure analysis and forensic assignments within the field of mechanical engineering expertise based on a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
Speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial.
Provide collision scene evidence analysis and forensic mapping of collision sites and vehicles.
The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist will perform timely, accurate analysis, prepare reports, and present your findings to the client.
Requirements
b.s. mechanical
8+ years
p.e.
actar
project management
technical writing
Must have strong technical writing skills.
Must possess the mental aptitude, cognition, concentration, and state of mind necessary to perform job duties.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential.
Report writing skills are crucial to success.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering required
Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
Physically able to climb ladders, walk on uneven and unleveled surfaces, enter and work in confined spaces, crawl under vehicles to inspect damage.
Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 25% local/regional travel. Out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.
Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external).
Ability to clearly and coherently write scopes-of-work, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
Independent Judgement; strong analytical skills.
Physical Demands - While performing this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. Must be able to perform field inspections, physically move debris, inspect vehicles (commercial and tractor-trailer), and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
8+ Years Experience VAR/Mechanical required
P.E. licensed preferred
ACTAR Accreditation required.
Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience required Strongly preferred.
You must be able to manage several investigations simultaneously, so organizational skills, effective time management, and attention to detail are essential.
Benefits
Overtime - This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with in order to meet the demands of the position.
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
Information not given or found
Security clearance
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
1983 Founded
Year Established
The firm was established in 1983 by Robert E. Rimkus in Houston.
>110 Offices
Global Presence
Expanded to over 110 offices across 10 countries over four decades.
$100M–$500M Revenues
Financial Performance
The company reports strong annual revenues in the $100 million to $500 million range since 2024.
714 MW Wind Farms
Energy Projects
Engages in large-scale renewable energy projects, including 714 MW offshore wind farms.
Began as a home-based forensic engineering consultancy by chemical engineer Robert E. Rimkus.
Over four decades, expanded into a global network.
Financially backed by private equity partner HGGC since 2024.
Typical projects include double-deck tunnel assessments, run-of-river hydro plants, and other engineering challenges.
Core specialisms include forensic analysis of failures, built-environment consulting, expert witness services, and laboratory testing.
Standout capabilities include human performance labs, materials failure labs, forensic meteorology tools, and product safety testing.
Strategic acquisitions—like CCi in 2021—broadened its reach into building consulting and claims support.
Noteworthy for its in-house WeatherPath™ app, wildfire preparedness guidance, and forensic fire & explosion investigation teams.
Work bridges technical consulting, legal dispute resolution, construction oversight, and scientific testing, serving insurers, law firms, governments, and corporates.
Culture + Values
Do the right thing. Build trust and respect. We tell the truth.
We do what we say we will do. We provide exceptional customer service. We are all individually responsible for performance.
Excellence in everything we do. Innovation and continuous improvement. Our team members’ prosperity and well-being.
We are one team. We collaborate toward shared objectives. We help and support each other.
Environment + Sustainability
Offers greenhouse gas and carbon footprint analysis and benchmarking.
Conducts ASHRAE Level I, II, and III energy audits in buildings.
Designs and implements energy‑ and GHG‑reducing projects, with full engineering services.
Supports LEED and sustainability consulting across NC, CI, CS, EBOM project types.
Provides full assessments of building envelope, MEP systems, vertical transportation to optimize energy use.
Performs energy evaluation and submission for compliance with local energy‑reporting ordinances.
Inclusion & Diversity
1,500+ Employees
Global Workforce
Engages a diverse team spanning 110+ offices worldwide.
Has a dedicated DE&I committee promoting initiatives across the business and employee touchpoints.
Implements internal programs including employee surveys, trainings, and resources to foster inclusive culture.
Commits to bias awareness and key training in hiring to build and develop a strong, diverse talent pipeline.