Job Description

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:

The Fire Investigator is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions through systematic scene examinations, artifact collection, and technical analysis. This role requires strong investigative skills, knowledge of fire behavior, and the ability to communicate findings clearly through written reports and expert testimony.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct on-site fire and explosion investigations to determine origin and cause
• Examine fire scenes, identify burn patterns, conduct arc mapping, and document findings using notes, photographs, drones, and diagrams
• Collect, preserve, and analyze artifacts in accordance with industry standards
• Apply principles of fire dynamics, heat transfer, and material science to investigative conclusions
• Conduct detailed witness interviews, involved parties, and occupant interviews to obtain data related to the incident
• Review witness statements, incident reports, photographs, and other relevant documentation
• Prepare detailed, defensible written reports outlining investigative methods, observations, and conclusions
• Collaborate with engineers, attorneys, insurance representatives, and law enforcement agencies
• Provide deposition and courtroom testimony as an expert witness when required
• Maintain chain of custody and adhere to artifact documentation, collection, handling, and preservation protocols
• Stay current with applicable codes, standards, and investigative best practices, including NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, engineering, criminal justice, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 3 years of experience conducting fire and forensic origin & cause investigations
• Knowledge of fire behavior, fire suppression systems, and building construction
• Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and investigative methodologies
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple investigations simultaneously
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including nights and weekends as needed

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI)
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI)
• State or nationally recognized fire investigator credentials
• Wildland Fire Origin & Cause Determination a plus (NWCG FI-210)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel 50%+ of the time by vehicle or plane
• Ability to travel internationally
• Ability to maneuver in and around job/incident sites including incident scenes and confined spaces
• Extended walking/standing on uneven terrain, climbing, lifting, bending, kneeling, crouching
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to carry/transport equipment to and from job/incident sites
• Ability to inspect and document job sites and relevant artifacts
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both oral and written
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment as necessary
• Must be able to pass a pulmonary function test and wear a respirator

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

Compensation:

Competitive base salary of $90k - $175k plus performance bonus with significant earning potential of 50% of base salary (or more) depending on individual performance

AEI Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer providing a smoke-free work environment. AEI Corporation complies with Equal Pay Act transparency requirements.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs