Senior Consultant

ESi is seeking a mechanical engineering consultant with deep expertise in the design of building mechanical systems (HVAC & Plumbing). This role involves forensic investigations that evaluate engineering standard of care, design/construction defects, and damage resulting from system & equipment failures. The ideal candidate is a professional with hands-on experience designing building mechanical systems of varying types and scale who has seen them through construction and is ready to apply their knowledge in a forensic consulting environment.

This consultant will conduct site inspections, analyze project documentation, assess design and construction against project requirements, and communicate findings through expert reports, presentations, and testimony. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging cases involving claims, disputes, and failures – all while collaborating with ESi's multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists nationwide.

This position is targeted as a Senior Consultant. However, if a candidate has greater experience, we may consider hiring at a Senior Managing Consultant level or higher if the candidate has an established client base and book of business.

Key Responsibilities:Client Development & Collaboration

• Develop local clients and projects by working with regional ESi business development staff and colleagues. 
• Perform marketing and business development activities to identify potential clients and strategies to build a client base. The candidate will be responsible for representing ESi and its consultants to potential clients and at conferences and meetings. Business development activities also may include making presentations and introductions to obtain additional clients and projects and/or expand ESi's business.
• Partner with peers across ESi disciplines and offices to pursue and execute cross-functional projects.

Technical Leadership & Forensic Investigations

• Provide consultation to clients regarding building mechanical HVAC & Plumbing system design/construction defects, equipment malfunctions, and other failures.
• Conduct forensic investigations related to the engineering standard of care for the design of HVAC & Plumbing systems.
• Perform field and laboratory investigations to evaluate the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial HVAC & Plumbing systems and equipment.
• Author high-quality technical reports, visual exhibits, and expert opinions for use in litigation and insurance matters.
• Conduct well-developed and well-prepared client presentations.
• Testify in court or provide depositions if requested by clients.

Project & Practice Management

• Lead or contribute to multidisciplinary teams; manage timelines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Establish work plan, staffing, and budget for each project phase and arrange for assignment of project personnel.
• Adhere to and contribute to ESi's QA/QC standards by reviewing peers' work.
• Perform ongoing continuing education, including preparing technical presentations, white papers, and/or peer-reviewed papers relevant to their areas of practice.
• Mentor junior consultants to support their growth and professional development.

Qualifications:Education Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from ABET accredited educational institution required.
• Master's or PhD preferred.

Experience Requirements:

• Must be an established expert in building science engineering with over 10 years of experience designing building mechanical systems (HVAC and Plumbing), performing large scale investigations, project management, and preparing technical reports.
• Multidisciplinary project management preferred.
• Experience in forensic consulting and/or failure analysis preferred.
• Experience providing expert testimony preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) required.

Professional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex projects and work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to interact with clients in a professional manner and develop business both internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
• Must be available to travel occasionally as part of the national practice.

Computer Skills:

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat. Intermediate skills in graphics programs, Internet browsers, and database programs. Windows Operating System experience highly preferred.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and sit.  Site inspections may require that employees stand, walk, carry tools, and/or work from an elevated position for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Noise levels at project sites are variable, and may be loud enough to require hearing protection.

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.

It is the policy of ESI, as an equal opportunity employer, to attract and retain the best qualified individuals available, without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. ESI is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities, as well as veterans. If you need assistance with completing the electronic application, please email your request to employment @

Compensation will be made up of a competitive base salary as well as bonus potential determined by your own individual performance and the performance of the organization overall.

---