Mechanical Engineer - HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Suppression Systems (PE Required)
Rimkus
Worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting, specializing in forensic, built‑environment, disputes & labs.
Perform forensic failure analysis of mechanical systems for insurance and legal cases.
11 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
Westlake, OH
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
failure analysis
compliance review
site inspection
data retrieval
root cause
client relations
Performs failure analysis for 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 before performing the work.
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.
Conducts various analyses, including, but not limited to, industrial safety and accidents; equipment and machinery design and failure; product liability; and design and safety.
Inspects sites/products/equipment/systems; performs electronic data retrieval and analysis of commercial and non-commercial equipment; documents site/product conditions and 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 needed laboratory testing and performs analyses.
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.
Initiates, develops, and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships.
Provides support on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment.
Requirements
ph.d.
mechanical engineering
hvac
project management
cad
analytical
Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 25% travel. Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. This position is located in Cleveland, OH.
Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients.
Must have a high level of analytical skill. Work requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ph.D. or Forensic experience with P.E. 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.
Physical Demands - Work is performed in both office settings and at outside locations (e.g., accident sites). The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employees may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employees must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in depositions or trials. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree or higher.
Capable of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Must know a variety of computer software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office applications and computer-assisted engineering and design software.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports or journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
2-10+ years of experience, including knowledge of products, machine design, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and/or other mechanical equipment/systems/processes.
Project management and/or field investigation experience is required.
Benefits
Overtime—This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. There will be periods when overtime will be required, which the employee must comply with 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
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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.