Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR Required)

Location: Willowbrook
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Job Title: Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist Work Location: Chicago, IL Duration: Full Time Education/Experience Required: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and ACTAR certification Essential Job Functions: Forensic Engineering Performs failure analysis and forensic assignments within the field of vehicle accident reconstruction based on a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work. 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. 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 surveys, 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. 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. Provides support on fire and explosion investigations involving mechanical systems, products, and equipment. Initiates, develops, and maintains mutually beneficial client relationships. Vehicle Accident Reconstruction Reconstructing vehicular accidents using analysis, CAE-based tools, and test data where appropriate. 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. The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist will perform timely, accurate analysis, prepare reports, and present your findings to the client. The Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist will also prepare and present demonstrative diagrams and charts and provide an analysis of the cause of various incidents. Work involves documenting and preserving evidence, preparing written reports of findings, and providing expert testimony in litigation, as necessary. Provide collision scene evidence analysis and forensic mapping of collision sites and vehicles. Evaluate cars, trucks, tractors, or other various forms of transportation. 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. Inspect and analyze automotive or mechanical parts to determine the cause of failure. Analyze product liability, design, and safety. Perform other duties as requested. Required Experience, Education, And Certifications A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or ACTAR certification is required. 8 years of vehicle accident reconstruction experience. Must have strong technical writing skills. Physically able to climb ladders, walk on uneven and unleveled surfaces, enter and work in confined spaces, and crawl under vehicles to inspect damage. Project Management and/or Field Investigation experience is required. Skills & Qualifications: You must be able to manage several investigations simultaneously, so organizational skills, effective time management, and attention to detail are essential. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. Must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels (e.g., internal and external). Report writing skills are crucial to success. Independent Judgement; strong analytical skills. Speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Must possess the mental aptitude, cognition, concentration, and state of mind necessary to perform job duties. 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 write scopes-of-work clearly and coherently, budget estimates, schedules, reports of findings, proposals, general correspondence, and other technical documents. Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients. Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements 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. Employees may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary. For more information or to view other opportunities, visit us at www.paladininc.com. Paladin Consulting is an EEOC employer.

Keywords: , Downers Grove , Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR Required), Engineering , Willowbrook, Illinois