Job Description

1. Basic Function of Senior Forensic Engineer Failure Investigation * Oversee and conduct advanced failure investigations and root cause analysis for a wide range of devices and systems, including but not limited to:

• Material failures (metals, plastics, ceramics, composites)
• Plant, equipment, and product liability issues
• Lifting and access equipment failures
• Machinery breakdowns (cranes, hydraulic systems, pipework failures)
• Manufacturing, power generation, construction, transport, petrochemical, and refrigeration industries
• Provide expert-level analysis of mechanical, metallurgical, and corrosion failures for critical components, such as boiler tubing, evaporator/heat exchanger tubing, pump impellers, process piping, fasteners, and rotary equipment.
• Oversee and perform detailed investigations into the origin and root cause of fires and failures, ensuring findings are supported by robust analysis and credible evidence.
• Conduct comprehensive damage assessments, recommending strategies for restoration and repairs of equipment and machines to minimize downtime and financial impact.
• Prepare and review analytical reports which establish failure modes and mechanisms, identify root causes, and recommend corrective/preventive actions.
• Engage proactively with asset owners, technical authorities, and third-party testing laboratories to ensure the successful delivery of forensic engineering services, including setting technical scopes and supervising testing protocols.
• Provide guidance and peer review of reports across various departments, offering engineering inputs and ensuring quality deliverables.
• Serve as an expert witness and provide testimony in courts of law when required.
• Assist in the development and delivery of technical training programs, as well as support marketing activities through presentations and expert insights.
• Foster teamwork, consensus-building, and always work in the best interest of Approved Group International's Vision, Mission, and Core Values.
• Be on standby 24/7 for urgent cases and maintain the flexibility to travel internationally, as needed.

2. Nature of Duties / Responsibilities * Leadership & Accuracy

• The Senior Forensic Engineer will act as a team lead, coordinating forensic engineering projects with a detail-oriented, timeline-driven approach to deliver highly accurate outcomes.
• Advanced Communication & Presentations

• Demonstrate superior verbal and written communication skills, including preparing high-level technical reports, presenting findings to internal teams and external stakeholders, and defending results before legal and insurance authorities.
• Complex Forensic Analysis

• Provide thorough forensic engineering reports outlining the cause and origin of damage, along with risk improvement strategies, leveraging knowledge of metals, alloys, polymers, composites, and coatings.
• Strategic Problem-Solving & Analysis

• Apply advanced problem-solving and analytical skills to lead investigations, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and innovative solutions to complex failures.
• Hands-On Expertise

• Direct and, when needed, perform hands-on failure analysis of mechanical components to validate hypotheses, collaborating closely with junior engineers and technicians.

3. Duties & Responsibilities during Case Investigation * Case Assignment & Preparation

• Assign, review, and oversee incoming forensic cases, ensuring that the appropriate resources and expertise are allocated.
• Request and review all relevant case information from adjusters, insurers, and stakeholders.
• Conduct thorough pre-site research and brief team members on key objectives and potential lines of inquiry.
• Investigation & Management

• Lead interviews with witnesses and key personnel, coordinating comprehensive site documentation (photography, videography, evidence collection).
• Ensure evidence is collected, preserved, and treated according to best practices and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Synthesize relevant data and discuss findings with adjusters, insurers, and internal stakeholders to guide the investigation process.
• Drive further research to support case findings and present reasoned conclusions based on tested theories and data analysis.

4. Report Writing and Case Presentation * Report Structure & Quality

• Produce and review all reports in accordance with AGI's formatting, font, and spacing standards, and ensure compliance with the Quality Management System.
• Oversee timely reporting:

• Progress reports within four working days post-site visit.
• Draft final reports for senior-level technical review before issuing to clients.
• Present findings to colleagues, adjusters, and insurers, gathering feedback to refine conclusions.
• Ensure the final report is delivered within 30 days of receiving all relevant information, administering a peer review process before distribution.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and internal stakeholders (weekly updates, weekly task updates).

5. Occupational Health & Safety * Safety Leadership

• Enforce and model compliance with safety protocols, ensuring appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn at sites and by the team.
• Champion a safety-first culture within the forensic engineering team.

6. Communication * Proactive Information Sharing

• Coordinate a consistent flow of critical information among team members, loss adjusters, and management, both verbally and in writing.
• Ensure the communication frequency and methods align with approved SOPs.

7. Management * Executive Reporting & Oversight

• Keep management informed of case progress, complexities, and potential red flags; provide strategic recommendations for resource allocation.
• Present statistical breakdowns of cases to directors, offering insights into trends, opportunities for improvement, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Submit weekly reports on team performance and case status to senior management.

8. Leadership * Project Planning & Execution

• Lead the team in comprehensive planning before and during site visits, identifying objectives, methodologies, and potential challenges.
• Mentorship & Training

• Mentor, coach, and provide on-the-job training to junior forensic engineers and other team members, fostering professional growth.
• Guidance & Debrief

• Conduct post-scene debrief sessions, highlighting correct and incorrect actions or procedures to ensure continuous improvement.
• Offer guidance on technical aspects, ensuring best practices in investigative techniques.

9. Personal Development * Continuous Professional Growth

• Maintain active involvement in professional associations, representing the organization at conferences, seminars, and other industry events.
• Publish relevant articles in recognized journals, newsletters, or forums.
• Pursue continuing education, certifications, and professional examinations to remain at the forefront of forensic engineering practices.
• Expand domain knowledge in related fields, such as metallurgy, design standards, fire investigation, and relevant by-laws.

10. Working Conditions * Physical Demands

• Exhibit the ability to work for extended hours and under challenging conditions (e.g., extreme heat, uneven terrain).
• Maintain a valid driver's license and willingness to self-drive to sites and meetings, sometimes over long distances.
• Demonstrate readiness to climb ladders, enter attics/basements, and physically navigate investigation sites.
• Remain prepared for prolonged standing and travel overseas with minimal notice.
• Sensory and Mental Demands

• Manage intense periods of computer-based analysis and data interpretation, requiring high accuracy and sharp attention to detail.
• Adhere to strict deadlines associated with various cases, balancing multiple investigations simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, often under pressure, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity.

11. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Knowledge

• Deep familiarity with AGI systems and best practices in forensic engineering.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals (mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science) and extensive practical experience with material behaviour and failure modes.
• Awareness of and experience in advanced laboratory techniques (metallographic cross-sectioning, X-ray radiography, chemical etching, dye & pry).
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts succinctly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skills

• Leadership & Team Building: Proven track record in motivating teams, delegating tasks effectively, and driving successful outcomes.
• Advanced Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to manage complex projects, use critical thinking, and devise solutions under pressure.
• Decision Making: Exercise sound judgment, particularly in high-stakes or time-sensitive scenarios.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing.
• Organization & Time Management: Skilfully handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and manage stress.
• Technical Review & Quality Assurance: Expertise in reviewing and ensuring technical accuracy and completeness of reports.
• Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates honesty, respect, cultural awareness, and sensitivity.
• Exhibits flexibility, strong work ethic, and a commitment to organizational values.
• Adept at project management, with a keen eye for detail, self-motivation, and independent work capabilities.
• Possesses a curious and inquisitive mindset, striving for continuous improvement.
• Proficient with new computer applications, comfortable in both technical and leadership roles.
• Skilled technical writer with exceptional grammar and communication abilities.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive case information at all times.

12. Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, or related discipline) is required.
• Preferred: Master's Degree or higher specialization in a relevant engineering field (e.g., materials science, structural engineering, etc.).
• Professional Registration/Certification: Registered Professional Engineer or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 10 years of relevant experience in forensic engineering, failure analysis, or a closely related field, with demonstrated leadership roles.

HOPES FOREVER CONSULTANCY PVT. LTD.