When buildings collapse, automobile accidents occur, or a major electrical malfunction occurs, forensic engineers investigate the causes and damages. To work as a forensic engineer, you’ll need to be able to think critically, understand a specific engineering field, and communicate effectively. A thorough understanding of local construction law and insurance is also beneficial.
If you want to work as a forensic engineer, you must first get an education in whatever field you want to work in. You’ll need a specialized engineering education, usually a civil engineering or electrical engineering degree, depending on the job. Most employers do not require anything more than a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s or doctorate can provide additional focus and education. You may also need several years of forensic and engineering field experience, typically three to seven years, depending on the level of specialty.
To work as a forensic engineer, you’ll need a keen eye for detail and the ability to think critically. You might be asked to investigate why a building collapsed, inspect a bridge after an earthquake to determine its safety, or track down the source of an electrical fire. You and your team must sort through the debris to determine the causes and extent of damage to various structures. Making the right decision requires a combination of engineering knowledge and meticulous attention to detail.
If you want to work as a forensic engineer, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively. Many times, you will be called in as an expert witness in a court case or will need to speak with an insurance company about a case, so you will need public speaking skills. A strong ability to write is required because you will be writing detailed reports that express your findings. If you’re in charge of engineers and need to give them instructions, you’ll need to speak up.
If you decide to pursue a career as a forensic engineer, you should be prepared to work in a variety of settings. Depending on your interests and background, you can pursue a variety of fields. The most common engineer works in the construction industry, determining structural and design failures. Electrical forensic engineering is a career path that focuses on the wiring within buildings rather than the construction of buildings. Computer forensic engineering is a new field that deals with computer problems and determining the cause by sorting through digital code.