Senior Consultant (Rail Technology)

About ESi Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses. Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants. At ESi, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources. Why ESi ESi’s Transportation group analyzes automotive, rail, aviation, marine, and commercial vehicle systems to evaluate performance, failure, and safety. Combining engineering disciplines with advanced modeling and reconstruction tools, the team supports investigations and proactive design efforts that improve safety and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support technology development, systems integration, testing, and evaluation projects within the ESi Rail Practice.
• Develop, modify, review, and troubleshoot software and embedded firmware used in engineering, instrumentation, control, automation, and data acquisition applications.
• Develop and evaluate control systems, algorithms, communication interfaces, sensor systems, and other technologies applicable to railroad vehicles, infrastructure, inspection, testing, and operations.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software components into functional engineering systems.
• Develop interfaces between sensors, instrumentation, embedded devices, data acquisition equipment, and higher-level software systems.
• Perform laboratory and field testing to evaluate system performance, verify requirements, troubleshoot problems, and validate engineering solutions.
• Analyze test and sensor data using engineering software and programming tools.
• Apply automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, or other emerging technologies when appropriate to solve engineering problems.
• Manage technical projects, including project scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and coordination of project teams.
• Work collaboratively with engineers and consultants from multiple disciplines to develop solutions to complex or unusual engineering problems.
• Mentor junior technical staff and contribute to the continued development of the Rail Practice's technology capabilities.
• Travel to client facilities, laboratories, railroad properties, and other ESi locations as required to accomplish project objectives.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Licenses Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a closely related engineering discipline is required.
• An advanced engineering degree is preferred.

Experience Required

• Significant professional engineering experience involving the development, integration, testing, or implementation of complex technical systems.
• Demonstrated experience with software development using one or more programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Experience integrating software with mechanical, electrical, embedded, instrumentation, sensor, or control systems.
• Experience with embedded systems, real-time control, communication protocols, instrumentation, robotics, automation, or related technologies is preferred.
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems involving interactions between hardware and software.
• Experience developing or executing verification, validation, calibration, or performance testing procedures.
• Ability to independently investigate technical problems, develop potential solutions, and carry projects through implementation and testing.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies and engineering concepts to unfamiliar applications.
• Experience managing engineering projects or coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams is preferred.
• Railroad experience is beneficial but is not required. Candidates with relevant experience in robotics, automation, transportation, industrial equipment, vehicle systems, aerospace, medical devices, manufacturing, or other highly engineered systems are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to clients and multidisciplinary technical teams.

Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills

• Proficiency with one or more programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering programming environments.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, sensors, instrumentation, communication interfaces, control systems, or data acquisition systems.
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot interactions between mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software systems.
• Familiarity with engineering design and analysis tools is beneficial.
• Experience with engineering test equipment, electronic hardware, prototype assembly, or hardware debugging is beneficial.
• Familiarity with modern software development tools and practices.
• Experience applying automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or related technologies to engineering applications is beneficial.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

What We Can Offer You We believe great work happens when people feel supported, challenged, and trusted. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance/Universal Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) – encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year
• 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
• Work/Life Balance in a collaborative working environment
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Career Growth & Continuing education opportunities

The pay range listed reflects a good-faith estimate of the compensation we expect to offer most candidates for this role. Total compensation includes a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity, with final pay determined by job-related factors such as experience, qualifications, individual performance, and overall company performance. After internal discussions and market research, the current pay band for this opportunity is $120,000 to $185,000 Physical Demands This role requires frequently sitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining balance. This position frequently requires handling and operating specialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Work Environment Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites, industrial settings, and damaged or compromised structures. The work environment may include exposure to varying noise levels, weather conditions, uneven terrain, and site-specific hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on site conditions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. To all recruitment agencies: ESi does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of ESi without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of ESi. Please, no phone calls or emails. ESi is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified individuals based on merit, experience, and skills. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with applicable laws, ESi actively supports the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.