Materials Scientist (Forensic Engineering)

Role details

About AEI

Founded in 2005, AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) is a worldwide leader in forensic engineering and consulting. Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, the company’s team is made up of licensed engineers, fire investigators, and industry experts with extensive combined experience in forensic analysis and investigation, covering areas such as fires and explosions, electrical and mechanical failures, carbon monoxide and chemical incidents, materials forensics. AEI provides investigation support and expert testimony for our clients, including law firms, insurance companies, utilities, energy industry stakeholders, product manufacturers, and a variety of fortune 500 companies.

From the beginning, AEI’s mission has been to deliver objective, technically sound answers for clients facing complex engineering and standard of care questions. Our work spans the full lifecycle of the forensic investigation — from on-site examination and artifact collection to laboratory testing, analysis, technical report preparation, and expert testimony.

Position Summary

AEI is currently seeking a materials scientist/metallurgist to join our professional staff. The candidate hired will conduct forensic investigations involving field work, laboratory examinations, testing, and research. The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:

• Fracture & failure analysis of metals, plastics, polymers, and elastomers
• Corrosion science
• Metals & alloys
• Plastics, polymers, elastomers & other composite materials
• Metallurgical examination techniques including radiography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), metallographic weld examination, and chemical analysis, hardness, and tensile testing
• Plastic, polymer, and elastomer examination techniques
• Forensic investigative protocol/experience, or forensic investigations
• Technical report preparation
• Expert testimony

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, materials engineering, metallurgical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least five years of relevant experience in materials analysis, failure analysis, laboratory testing, or industrial investigations.
• Strong understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and failure mechanisms, including fracture, fatigue, corrosion, wear, and thermal degradation.
• Experience investigating failures involving metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, composites, or other engineered materials.
• Proficiency in optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), including interpretation of results.
• Experience with specimen preparation, metallography, fractography, and mechanical testing.
• Ability to develop testing protocols, evaluate competing failure hypotheses, and reach conclusions supported by physical evidence and scientific analysis.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, manufacturing records, and applicable technical standards.
• Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to prepare clear, well-supported reports and explain complex findings to nontechnical audiences.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail, including accurate laboratory records, photographic documentation, and evidence tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively with engineers and investigators.
• Commitment to scientific objectivity, professional ethics, laboratory safety, and proper evidence preservation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in materials science, metallurgy, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience in forensic consulting, litigation support, product liability investigations, or insurance-related failure analysis.
• Experience determining whether material damage occurred before, during, or after a fire or other loss event.
• Experience with additional analytical methods, such as FTIR, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, chemical analysis, or nondestructive testing.
• Familiarity with ASTM standards and other relevant testing and industry standards.
• Experience preparing technical opinions for litigation and providing deposition or trial testimony.
• Professional Engineer licensure, or eligibility to obtain licensure, where applicable to the candidate’s education and responsibilities.
• Experience developing client relationships, preparing proposals, and estimating investigation and testing costs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel 50%+ of the time by vehicle or airline to conduct investigations at sites and laboratories, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to travel internationally
• Ability to be physically at office/in lab when not on an investigation or at a lab.
• Work in laboratory, office, and field environments, including industrial facilities and sites affected by fire, structural damage, or equipment failure.
• Stand and walk for extended periods during inspections, evidence examinations, and laboratory testing.
• Bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb stairs or ladders as required to access and examine evidence.
• Navigate uneven terrain, debris, and restricted work areas during site inspections.
• Lift, carry, and position evidence, specimens, tools, and testing equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, using assistance or lifting equipment for heavier items.
• Perform precise specimen preparation and operate microscopes, laboratory instruments, and hand tools requiring manual dexterity.
• Observe and distinguish material features, fracture surfaces, corrosion, and other physical conditions using appropriate corrective lenses, magnification, or imaging equipment.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing, hearing protection, and respiratory protection.
• Work safely around dust, soot, chemicals, sharp materials, and other laboratory or site hazards using established protective measures.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions as assignments require.
• Perform computer-based analysis, documentation, and report preparation for extended periods.

Compensation

Competitive base salary of $ 85k - $150k plus performance bonus with significant earning potential of 50%+ of base salary (or more) depending on individual performance

Benefit Overview

• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Quarterly performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) program with Safe Harbor Match
• Paid time off
• Annual training/professional development
• Licensing and professional membership fees
• Health Savings Account (HSA), including company contribution

AEI is an equal opportunity, equal pay employer. AEI’s facilities are non-smoking. To apply, please e-mail your resume along with salary requirement to: [email protected], subject line, "Materials Science/Metallurgist.” Other forms of submission will not be considered. AEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please, no agencies.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person