What Does A Forensic Engineer Do?

By Essie Osborn


When mechanical failure causes an accident, it is the duty of forensic engineer to determine the reason for the failure. For example, if a car's brakes fail and the wife of a man is killed during the accident, the forensic scientists will have to investigate. It could involve investigation into the reason for the falling off of the foam tiles on Challenger, the space shuttle, when it re-entered the atmosphere of the earth.

Forensic engineers need to discover the reasons behind accidents. The need to find the party responsible for the accident and determine how the accident can be avoided in the future is part of their job. This type of engineer investigates and does analysis of certain manufacturing procedures to try and reduce costs, avoid failure of the components, improve the product quality and increase the length of time the machinery is usable.

To be effective at their jobs, they should have detailed knowledge related to the potential reasons for failure of materials. They should have knowledge of the application of structure loads and how the system movements are controlled. They need to have knowledge of the workings of electrical systems and how electrical faults may cause damage.

They normally have an excellent knowledge of public safety laws and are often called as court witnesses to give technical and scientific evidence. It is vital that they have a good knowledge and understanding of the principles of business management. They should have training in the identification of new practices and rules which will aid in the prevention of engineering system failures.

This form of engineering encompasses a range of focused study areas. This includes environmental monitoring, mechanical technology and engineering science, among several others. Individuals who have an interest in manufacturing may consider specialization in the manufacturing process.

This type of specialist is often employed in insurance companies or manufacturing industries. They can gain employment in government agencies or as forensic consultants. Depending on their field of specialization, it is possible for this type of engineer to join the police force.

From a practical view, the career includes the examination of broken parts and compiling a list of potential reasons for the failure of the equipment. These reasons need to be investigated fully. The engineer will have interviews with the individuals who may have been involved in the accidents to determine the sequence of events. The engineer will review the drawings, operating procedures and specifications of the equipment. The design requirements are usually compared to the operating settings and the dimensions used for building the equipment in order to determine differences. The engineering specialist will use special analytical and testing tools to confirm any factual findings.

It is necessary to study a four-year bachelor's program in engineering to become one of these specialists. This program is not offered by all educational institutions. Once the bachelor's degree has been attained, it will be required to become licensed. This process may require specified experience and training. After licensing has been obtained, there is an engineering certification that can be completed. This takes one full year and during this period technical knowledge, experience and ethics will have to be displayed. To obtain certification, an oral and written examination will be taken.




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