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Forensic Engineering

Updated: 9/27/2023
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Individuals who work in forensic engineering take on difficult jobs that can help determine guilt of innocence in the event of mechanical malfunction that leads to personal injury. For this reason, individuals seeking employment in forensic engineering should already possess a thorough knowledge of general engineering, mechanical malfunction and repairs, and a basic knowledge of product liability. Most often, the evidence found in a forensic engineering investigation will be used in civil or criminal law cases, making forensic engineers an important part in the legal proceedings.

The father of modern-day forensic science, Dr. Edmond Locard, reasoned that "every contact leaves a trace." This means that when one object touches another object in some way, evidence of some kind exists to prove it. This logic applies to forensic engineering by finding the individual or mechanical error responsible for product malfunction and the resulting personal injury.

When a car fails, speeds out of control, and leads to a fatal accident, police conduct routine investigations to determine the cause of the accident. Some investigators will look at skid marks from tires to check for sudden increases or decreases in speed that could have led to the accident, others will examine the condition of the street to check for potholes or other natural occurrences that could have caused it. Forensic engineers will look at the car, examining the condition of the inner workings to determine if a mechanical malfunction caused the car to spiral out of control. A forensic engineer may find any number of things, including a faulty brake line, a broken axle, or a malfunctioning transmission. If a mechanical error caused the accident, a window opens for the victim's family to pursue legal action.

Forensic engineers may also uncover faulty mechanics and engineering in factories. If an individual working on an assembly line is hurt during work hours, a forensic engineer will investigate to determine if mechanical malfunction was At Fault. This can help the victim in the event of a genuine engineering malfunction, but it can also protect the factory from potential liability issues if the forensic engineer finds no traces of machine error. For this reason, forensic engineers are important to the legal process, helping to determine fault in the event of an accident.

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Q: Forensic Engineering
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What is the average salary of a Forensic Engineer?

The average annual salary for a forensic engineer in the United States is $88,000. The average yearly salary for this position in Los Angeles, CA is $94,000.


What does a forensic engineer do?

Forensic engineers use their knowledge of engineering principles, along with their experience in working with them, in examining evidence related to legal matters that must be settled. In this capacity, they investigate cases such as car accidents, mechanical failures and explosions to determine the exact cause.Analyzing various structural problemsWhen forensic engineers analyze structures, including bridges or buildings, they are determining why that particular structure collapsed. In the process, they conclude whether poor construction, lack of maintenance or bad weather caused the structural defect.Analyzing mechanical failuresAs part of their training, forensic engineers learn about the possible mechanical failures of several systems, including water pipes, air conditioning and heating. Their goal is to determine what caused a system to fail and if the problem was due to negligence on anyone�s part in order to assign responsibility for what took place.Analyzing explosions and firesSome of the cases forensic engineers work on involve explosions and fires and, as in other areas, their task is to determine the exact cause. Their investigations often include fires that take place in homes and cars and devastating explosions that have caused extensive damage.Analyzing car accidentsForensic engineers investigate car accidents to find out why the accident happened and which party was at fault. As a rule, they find themselves reconstructing what took place in order to accomplish this.Forensic engineers testimony in court and professional ethicsThey are often asked to appear in court in order to provide an explanation of their findings in a particular case. Regardless of who has hired them, professional ethics requires them to provide an analysis that is truthful, impartial and totally based on the facts.Training and incomeThe minimum requirement for forensic engineers is to have a bachelor�s degree in engineering or a related science, and they are encouraged to acquire an advanced degree and become certified as well. The median annual salary for someone in this position is approximately $90,000.


What types of cases would a Forensic engineer investigate?

the types that do the one thing on top of it all...


What is the most important skill of a forensic artist or a person using composite software?

its when they all have different kind of finger prints


How many years does it take to get a forensic engineering degree?

Engineers typically enter the occupation with a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty, but some basic research positions may require a graduate degree. Engineers offering their services directly to the public must be licensed. Continuing education to keep current with rapidly changing technology is important for engineers. Education and training. A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a natural science or mathematics occasionally may qualify for some engineering jobs, especially in specialties in high demand. Most engineering degrees are granted in electrical, electronics, mechanical, or civil engineering. However, engineers trained in one branch may work in related branches. For example, many aerospace engineers have training in mechanical engineering. This flexibility allows employers to meet staffing needs in new technologies and specialties in which engineers may be in short supply. It also allows engineers to shift to fields with better employment prospects or to those that more closely match their interests. Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an engineering specialty, along with courses in both mathematics and the physical and life sciences. Many programs also include courses in general engineering. A design course, sometimes accompanied by a computer or laboratory class or both, is part of the curriculum of most programs. General courses not directly related to engineering, such as those in the social sciences or humanities, are also often required. In addition to the standard engineering degree, many colleges offer 2-year or 4-year degree programs in engineering technology. These programs, which usually include various hands-on laboratory classes that focus on current issues in the application of engineering principles, prepare students for practical design and production work, rather than for jobs that require more theoretical and scientific knowledge. Graduates of 4-year technology programs may get jobs similar to those obtained by graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Engineering technology graduates, however, are not qualified to register as professional engineers under the same terms as graduates with degrees in engineering. Some employers regard technology program graduates as having skills between those of a technician and an engineer. Graduate training is essential for engineering faculty positions and many research and development programs, but is not required for the majority of entry-level engineering jobs. Many experienced engineers obtain graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their education. Many high-level executives in government and industry began their careers as engineers. About 1,830 programs at colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in engineering that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Inc., and there are another 710 accredited programs in engineering technology. ABET accreditation is based on a program's faculty, curriculum, and facilities; the achievement of a program's students; program improvements; and institutional commitment to specific principles of quality and ethics. Although most institutions offer programs in the major branches of engineering, only a few offer programs in the smaller specialties. Also, programs of the same title may vary in content. For example, some programs emphasize industrial practices, preparing students for a job in industry, whereas others are more theoretical and are designed to prepare students for graduate work. Therefore, students should investigate curriculums and check accreditations carefully before selecting a college. Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), with courses in English, social studies, and humanities. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4 and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a concentration in one specialty. Some programs offer a general engineering curriculum; students then specialize on the job or in graduate school. Some engineering schools have agreements with 2-year colleges whereby the college provides the initial engineering education, and the engineering school automatically admits students for their last 2 years. In addition, a few engineering schools have arrangements that allow students who spend 3 years in a liberal arts college studying pre-engineering subjects and 2 years in an engineering school studying core subjects to receive a bachelor's degree from each school. Some colleges and universities offer 5-year master's degree programs. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study and practical work, permitting students to gain valuable experience and to finance part of their education. Licensure. All 50 States and the District of Columbia require licensure for engineers who offer their services directly to the public. Engineers who are licensed are called professional engineers (PE). This licensure generally requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Recent graduates can start the licensing process by taking the examination in two stages. The initial Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination can be taken upon graduation. Engineers who pass this examination commonly are called engineers in training (EIT) or engineer interns (EI). After acquiring suitable work experience, EITs can take the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Several States have imposed mandatory continuing education requirements for relicensure. Most States recognize licensure from other States, provided that the manner in which the initial license was obtained meets or exceeds their own licensure requirements. Many civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineers are licensed PEs. Independent of licensure, various certification programs are offered by professional organizations to demonstrate competency in specific fields of engineering. Other qualifications.Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Communication abilities are becoming increasingly important as engineers frequently interact with specialists in a wide range of fields outside engineering. Certification and advancement.Beginning engineering graduates usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers and, in large companies, also may receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As new engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff or team of engineers and technicians. Some may eventually become engineering managers or enter other managerial or sales jobs. In sales, an engineering background enables them to discuss a product's technical aspects and assist in product planning, installation, and use. (See the statements under management and business and financial operations occupations, and the statement on sales engineers elsewhere in the Handbook.) Numerous professional certifications for engineers exist and may be beneficial for advancement to senior technical or managerial positions. Many certification programs are offered by the professional societies listed as sources of additional information for engineering specialties at the end of this statement. For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.

Related questions

What has the author Robert E Nabours written?

Robert E. Nabours has written: 'Forensic electrical engineering & liability' -- subject(s): Electric engineering, Evidence, Expert, Expert Evidence, Forensic engineering


What type of education do I need for forensic engineering?

A bachelor's degree in engineering is required. A career in forensic engineering requires excellent critical thinking skills and a working knowledge of the legal system and procedures.(the site-http://csi.education180.com/ offers online degree in forensic sciences)


How do I get started on a career in forensic engineering?

You can get started on a career in forensic engineering by attending a four year undergraduate college. Read more at www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.htm


Where can I find information about forensic engineering?

If you are just looking for some basic information about what forensic engineering is, then Wikipedia is a great place for some background information. Otherwise, NAFE, or the National Academy of Forensic Engineers is an excellent resource for those seeking more in-depth knowledge on the subject.


What degree do I need for forensic engineer jobs?

In order to be a forensic engineer you will need a degree in engineering. Forensic engineers deal with traffic accidents, fire damage, and wrongful injury cases.


What qualifications are required for forensic engineering?

In terms of qualifications required for forensic engineering, the normal, accepted pre-requisites of the numerous professional engineering bodies and which are an absolute essential for practicing as a professional and or chartered engineer, and subsequently as a Forensic Engineer, are recognised and accepted degrees. Most will have post graduate degrees in their discipline, with some being Fellows of their specific body. The Forensic Engineers experience is a major factor in the passing of opinion and the making of judgemental decisions


Forensics?

Individuals who work in forensic engineering take on difficult jobs that can help determine guilt of innocence in the event of mechanical malfunction that leads to personal injury. For this reason, individuals seeking employment in forensic engineering should already possess a thorough knowledge of general engineering, mechanical malfunction and repairs, and a basic knowledge of product liability. Most often, the evidence found in a forensic engineering investigation will be used in civil or criminal law cases, making forensic engineers an important part in the legal proceedings. The father of modern-day forensic science, Dr. Edmond Locard, reasoned that "every contact leaves a trace." This means that when one object touches another object in some way, evidence of some kind exists to prove it. This logic applies to forensic engineering by finding the individual or mechanical error responsible for product malfunction and the resulting personal injury. When a car fails, speeds out of control, and leads to a fatal accident, police conduct routine investigations to determine the cause of the accident. Some investigators will look at skid marks from tires to check for sudden increases or decreases in speed that could have led to the accident, others will examine the condition of the street to check for potholes or other natural occurrences that could have caused it. Forensic engineers will look at the car, examining the condition of the inner workings to determine if a mechanical malfunction caused the car to spiral out of control. A forensic engineer may find any number of things, including a faulty brake line, a broken axle, or a malfunctioning transmission. If a mechanical error caused the accident, a window opens for the victim's family to pursue legal action. Forensic engineers may also uncover faulty mechanics and engineering in factories. If an individual working on an assembly line is hurt during work hours, a forensic engineer will investigate to determine if mechanical malfunction was At Fault. This can help the victim in the event of a genuine engineering malfunction, but it can also protect the factory from potential liability issues if the forensic engineer finds no traces of machine error. For this reason, forensic engineers are important to the legal process, helping to determine fault in the event of an accident.


What are some really good forensic engineer jobs?

Some really good engineer jobs is Donan Engineering and Camber Co. These two jobs will make a good fit for anyone who wants engineering jobs so come a join them.


Is there such a thing as forensic law and if so how do you go about to obtain a degree if you have a bachelors in chemistry and a masters in chemical engineering?

yes there is such thing faculty.ncwc.edu/mstevens/425/default.htm


Where can I locate more information about forensic engineering?

Forsenic engineering is the general investigation of the cause of failure or malfunction of an equipment that causes personal injury or other damage to property. You can read mmore about it in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_engineering. There are also books on forsenic engineering available in the library or at amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Engineering-Second-Kenneth-Carper/dp/0849374847 I personally am a fan of wikipedia. Although it's not 100% since it's run by people like you and me. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_engineering. But it's a good start. You can also check with local schools that might be available in your area.


Where can I get a forensic engineering degree?

In order to get a forensic engineering degree, you must obtain an engineering degree with specialities in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, materials engineering and traffic engineering. There are about 360 colleges accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering ant Technology,


What the different between forensic science and forensic medicine?

Forensic science is experimental Forensic medicine is empirical.