What is a Forensic Engineer?
Forensic engineers combine their knowledge of engineering and forensics to investigate failed products or structures that cause injury and further property damage. They report to the scene of where a failure occurred and collect evidence and measurements.
During the process of an investigation, they’ll also test similar or duplicate products, and build and test models in an effort to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Their ultimate mission is to either produce evidence for the court during a trial involving an accident, such as product liability cases, or provide information that could be used to improve a product. Additionally, forensic engineers may also investigate intellectual property claims, determining whether or not a product is truly original and thus worthy of a patent.
Forensic engineers perform work in labs containing scanning electron microscopes and X-rays, both of which are used to gain better insight into the structure of products. Forensic engineers also work in the field, allowing them to observe how a problem unfolded.
How to Become a Forensic Engineer
Forensic engineers usually hold degrees in an engineering specialty such as electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. These disciplines enable students to understand the function of various products.
Courses an electrical engineering student takes, for example, include engineering physics; statics and dynamics; electronic circuits; signals and systems; electronic devices; and electromagnetic engineering. They also take valuable math and science courses such as calculus and chemistry. Having an education in forensics supplements an engineering degree. Forensic science, in particular, familiarizes students with the natural sciences and teaches them to apply that knowledge in a lab setting. Courses in the major include collection, evidence identification, and principles of crime scene investigation.
Forensic engineers need an engineering license for the state in which they plan to work. In order to obtain a license, they should accumulate work experience in their field and then complete the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
Forensic Engineer Career Outlook & Salary
Engineering occupations are expected to grow about as fast as the national average of all occupations from 2008 to 2018. As technology evolves, more qualified engineers will be needed to provide their knowledge of the function of different types of products.
Furthermore, forensic science technician jobs are expected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations. This is due to the rapid growth of the American population and the resulting expansion of government. As the number of businesses and the products they create increases, so will the number of potentially dangerous faulty products, and forensic engineers will be needed to investigate the accidents those products cause.
Forensic engineers receive comparable pay to other engineering occupations, earning a median annual income of $88,570. As a whole, engineers make among the highest starting salaries of all occupations.
