Forensic Failure Analysis Engineer - (FFA-ON)

MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists is seeking a Junior Engineer to join our Failure Analysis group in analyzing a broad range of material and mechanical failures. The position will be based in our Mississauga, ON office.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• A keen interest in solving difficult failure analysis problems
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Strong oral and written English language skills
• An ability to clearly and concisely explain complex issues in lay language
• High ethical and technical standards
• Prior forensic experience an asset, but not required
• Citizenship, permanent residence or appropriate work permit in the Canada

The successful candidate will have (or be eligible for) PEng designation in Ontario.

MEA Forensic provides technical investigations for collision reconstruction, injury biomechanics, failure analysis, aviation and human factors across North America. We help clients understand the scientific aspects of their case and provide technical opinions for use in resolving legal disputes.  Experts have significant courtroom testifying experience. 

Education Path for the Forensic Engineer

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to do to become a forensic engineer:

• Get a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Major in an engineering sub-specialty field
• Take on an internship to gain experience
• Contact your State to find out which exams are needed
• Complete and pass your State’s examinations
• Contact the International Institute of Forensic Engineering Sciences, IIFES
• Apply to their program
• Contact your State for further requirements to become licensed
• Get your license
• Find employment and start working!

Forensic Engineer Curriculum

Universities or colleges who have a forensic engineer program should follow the following curriculum guidelines set forth by the Forensic Engineering Curriculum Committee:

• Introduction to Forensic Engineering
• Product LiabilityFE
• Forensic Engineering Project
• Advanced Forensic Engineering Techniques
• Computer Applications in Forensic Engineering
• Engineering Ethics
• Mathematics

Forensic Engineer Job Information

Become a Forensic Engineer

Required Education

To become a forensic engineer, you'll need at least a 4-year degree in engineering. If you want to be a forensic engineer in a specific specialty, you'll want to major in the relevant sub-field of engineering; some engineering specialties include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering and computer engineering. Common courses in engineering include introduction to engineering, systems, distributed systems and fields, advanced mathematics and control theory; there is more specialized coursework for each engineering specialty.

Licensure and Certification

In addition to the required education, to become a forensic engineer, you'll need first to become a licensed engineer in the state in which you hope to be employed; licensure requirements vary by state, but they typically require several years of experience and culminate in the successful completion of the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Once you're a licensed engineer, you can complete the process to certify your specialty in forensic engineering; according to the International Institute of Forensic Engineering Sciences, this is a year-long process, where you'll show your experience in forensic engineering, fitness in technical knowledge and ethics and complete an oral and written exam.

Skills Required

Forensic engineers need a firm understanding of the scientific method in order to apply those principles to their investigations. Their jobs require an attention to detail and critical thinking, as well as the ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, for the purposes of gathering information about incidents and reporting their findings.