What Does a Forensic Engineer Do?

The jobs of forensic and engineering engineers may sound similar but in reality there are many differences. The jobs of a forensic engineer are very different from that of an engineering professional. Forensic engineers need to be able to think quickly and find evidence that can help them find the origin and cause of the crime.

Crime Scene Analysis

The main responsibilities of forensic engineers consist of the analysis of a crime scene. The first step to take after a traumatic event is the gathering of evidence. This evidence can consist of a variety of things such as an imprinted knife, shell casing, bullet fragments, blood, or any other type of material that has been damaged and is not easily recoverable. Often these investigations are hindered by the location of the incident, clutter and concealment of evidence, the crime scene itself, and the budget of the law enforcement agency that is investigating the incident. These investigations often require the expertise of a forensic engineer student.

Forensic engineering is a field of science that utilizes a combination of science, mathematics and computer technology to create methods of analyzing any type of evidence. As one can imagine, there is a large emphasis on math and physics when it comes to creating solutions to complex problems. A bachelor degree in engineering will be required to enroll in one of the many accredited forensic engineering programs across the country. One must have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics to be eligible for acceptance into one of the schools offering the program.

What are the Aspects of Forensic Engineering?

There are many aspects of forensics that require the application of engineering principles. Structural failure is one of the most important aspects of forensics. As the name implies, this is the process of looking for the signs of structural failure. It involves numerous scientific techniques and formulas in order to arrive at the conclusion as to whether or not a structure is beyond repair. Along with the physical examination of the site, microscopic examination of visible materials is also part of the forensic engineering process. In order to arrive at these conclusions, experts must use various kinds of techniques and mathematical calculations.

The forensic engineering process involves the employment of many different kinds of tools and equipment in order to arrive at the results of their investigations. From computers to sensors and ultra-sound equipment, forensics engineers must use all of the tools at their disposal in order to build successful cases and secure compensation for victims. From there, it is up to the expert witness to provide testimony in court cases to make a case and help the victims obtain justice. In this way, forensics professionals are able to obtain financial support from companies, insurance companies, and government agencies that they work for.

Jobs and Responsibilities of a Forensic Engineer

Although the job description of a forensic engineer may seem rather vague, it is actually very detailed. This is because the entire process of engineering and working in forensics take place within a courtroom, which is a controlled environment that is extremely stressful and demanding. Because of this, forensics experts at origin and cause are often required to undergo specialized training and be subjected to extensive research in the field. Because of this, it is no wonder that it can be very difficult to become an expert witness in any kind of court case. Many people decide to pursue a career in a related field such as forensics after completing their education and working a few years in an industry related to the area.

If you decide to pursue a job in forensics, then one requirement that you must meet is having a bachelor’s degree. Depending on where you want to work and what type of engineering you will specialize in, some states require passing an examination. This examination can cover a variety of topics such as specific statutes, theories in engineering, crime and criminal procedure, civil procedure, evidence handling procedures, environmental law, engineering safety, engineering physics, dynamical drafting, and more. For many people interested in forensics, the requirements for their state may be minimal and do not necessitate a bachelor’s degree, but others may require a bachelor’s degree in order to legally work as a forensic engineer. In this case, a graduate degree in engineering or a related field would be ideal.

After getting your bachelor’s degree, you can choose to work as a practicing forensic engineer or choose to specialize in a certain area such as architectural or structural failure analysis. If you have a more specialized interest, you may also want to get certifications such as those offered by the American Society of Forensic Engineers (ASFE) or the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). These certifications are not necessary for working as a forensic engineer, but can help boost your credentials and maybe land you a job. In order to become certified, you will need to spend two years in the program at a university that offers forensic engineering courses. Once you have graduated, you will be able to apply for jobs in this industry or other fields that focus on the physical sciences.