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About ESi
Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses.
Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants.
At ESi, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources.
Why ESi
ESi’s Materials Practice focuses on hands-on failure analysis and advanced material characterization across industries. With access to a network of in-house laboratories, engineers evaluate material behavior and performance in a collaborative environment that emphasizes technical rigor and continuous development.
Key Responsibilities
- Plans, directs, and coordinates forensic investigations involving polymer and plastics failure analysis, material characterization, and product liability.
- Performs laboratory analysis and field inspections related to polymer, rubber, adhesive, and composite material failures.
- Conducts root cause failure analysis on polymer components, systems, and consumer products.
- Authors high-quality technical reports and expert opinions.
- Provides expert testimony at deposition and trial.
- Conducts well-developed and well-prepared client presentations.
- Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project, and arranges for assignment of project personnel.
- Directs and coordinates projects within prescribed schedule and budget scopes.
- Works with Business Development to identify potential clients and strategies to build client base.
- Actively participates in Business Development activities, including client meetings, presentations, and appropriate conferences.
- Mentors earlier-career employees in growth and development.
- Actively seeks to develop professionally in skills, experience, and industry reputation.
Qualifications
Education / Certifications / Licenses Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
- Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred, or willingness to obtain.
Experience Required
- 10–15 years of experience in polymer/plastics materials analysis, failure investigation, or related research or industry role.
- Deep hands-on laboratory experience with polymer characterization techniques (FTIR, DSC, SEM, GPC, tensile testing, etc.).
- Track record authoring high-quality technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience providing expert testimony highly desirable; preferred experience in the consulting industry.
Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with polymer characterization and analysis software/equipment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex polymer and materials science topics clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to interact with clients professionally and develop business internally and externally.
- Must be available to travel occasionally as part of the national practice.
What We Can Offer You
We believe great work happens when people feel supported, challenged, and trusted. Some of the benefits we offer include:
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance/Universal Life Insurance
- 401k with employer match
- Pet Insurance
- Competitive salary with merit-based or annual bonus programs
- Flexible Time Off (FTO) – encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year
- 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
- Work/Life Balance in a collaborative working environment
- Wellness Reimbursement
- Career Growth & Continuing education opportunities
The pay range listed reflects a good-faith estimate of the compensation we expect to offer most candidates for this role. Total compensation includes a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity, with final pay determined by job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, individual performance, and overall company performance.
After internal discussions and market research, the current pay band for this opportunity is $120,000 to $180,000.
Physical Demands
This role requires frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance. This position frequently requires handling and operating specialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Work Environment
Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites, industrial settings, and damaged or compromised structures. The work environment may include exposure to varying noise levels, weather conditions, uneven terrain, and site-specific hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on site conditions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
To all recruitment agencies: ESi does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of ESi without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of ESi. Please, no phone calls or emails.
ESi is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified individuals based on merit, experience, and skills. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with applicable laws, ESi actively supports the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Polymer Science or Polymer Engineering (or equivalent)
- Master's or Ph.D. in Polymer Science or related field
- 7+ years of related experience and/or training
- Experience with polymer characterization equipment: optical microscope, SEM, DSC, FTIR, TGA
- Familiarity with industry standards, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and service life predictions
- Plumbing and plastic piping industry experience (water & natural gas)
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
- Knowledge of MathCad, AutoCAD, or similar technical/modeling software
- Willingness and ability to travel locally and nationally for inspections and client meetings
- Ability to testify in court and provide deposition testimony
- Physical ability to climb ladders, lift up to 50 lbs, work in small spaces, kneel/squat/bend
- Proficient at keyboarding to produce written communications and technical reports
What We Do
Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is a forensic engineering and scientific investigation firm committed to providing actionable solutions to industry and technical challenges through data-driven insights and multidisciplinary collaboration. Our experts leverage advanced technologies and professional expertise to equip clients across the globe with comprehensive analyses, and recommendations on projects of any size or complexity.
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