Senior Accident Reconstructionist

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $130,000.00 Annually Senior Accident Reconstructionist Location: Chicago, Illinois **This position requires local residency in the greater Chicago area for in-person work, up to 50%** Department: Accident Reconstruction Reports To: Director of Accident Reconstruction Job Type: Full-Time Work Setting: Hybrid Travel & Field Work: Up to 50% Position Overview Knott Laboratory is seeking a highly experienced Senior Accident Reconstructionist to lead complex forensic investigations and provide expert analysis in support of litigation. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with deep technical expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and proven experience serving as an expert witness in depositions and jury trials. The Senior Accident Reconstructionist will independently manage high-profile cases, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to deliver clear, defensible findings. Key Responsibilities Technical & Case Management Lead and perform advanced accident reconstructions involving motor vehicle collisions and related incidents, including on-site scene investigations as needed Evaluate evidence including scene data, vehicle inspections, event data recorder (EDR) downloads, photographs, and witness statements Apply engineering principles, physics, and industry methodologies to determine causation, speeds, and sequence of events Develop detailed, defensible conclusions supported by data and analysis Manage multiple complex cases simultaneously with minimal oversight Expert Witness & Litigation Support Serve as an expert witness in depositions, mediations, and jury trials Prepare comprehensive expert reports and exhibits suitable for litigation Clearly communicate technical findings to attorneys, judges, and juries in a persuasive and understandable manner Support attorneys with case strategy, discovery, and technical consultation Leadership & Mentorship Provide guidance and mentorship to junior reconstructionists and engineers Review and provide quality assurance on reports, analyses, and deliverables Support training initiatives and contribute to the development of best practices and standard methodologies Client Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, legal teams, and industry partners Participate in business development efforts, including client meetings and presentations Represent Knott Laboratory with professionalism and credibility in all interactions Qualifications Required Minimum of 10+ years of accident reconstruction experience ACTAR accreditation (Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction) Demonstrated experience testifying in depositions and jury trials as an expert witness Strong knowledge of accident reconstruction methodologies, physics, and investigative techniques Experience with reconstruction software/tools (e.g., PC-Crash, HVE, or similar) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or related field) Professional Engineer (P.E.) license Experience in consulting or forensic engineering environment Project management or team leadership experience Advanced training or certifications in accident reconstruction disciplines Key Competencies Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to communicate complex information clearly to non-technical audiences Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy Sound judgment and professional credibility in high-stakes situations Leadership mindset with a collaborative approach to team development Work Environment Hybrid role with remote work flexibility Combination of home office-based analytical work, field investigations, project site visits, and courtroom testimony Field work and travel may include daytime, evening, or occasional weekend commitments based on case needs Collaborative, team-oriented culture with a focus on quality, integrity, and professional growth Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary: $100,000–$130,000 , based on experience and credentials Matching 401(k) Company Profit Sharing Plan Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays Professional Development Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,200 per year Support for certifications, licensure, and continued technical development Why Join Knott Laboratory Opportunity to work on complex, high-impact cases Collaborative and expert-driven environment Commitment to professional growth, training, and development Competitive compensation and benefits