Marine Consultant (Forensic Engineering)

SEA, Ltd., a national, multi-disciplinary forensic engineering firm is adding new staff to our Marine & Energy Practice Group. We have positions open in our Fort Lauderdale office (other S-E-A locations will be considered).

With over 55 years in the industry, we work with attorneys, insurance companies, manufacturers and others to find the "why" when things fail. We provide top-tier customized training and carry a strong reputation you can put your career behind.

This onshore role is designed for professionals with shipboard experience who want to continue applying that knowledge to a shore-based career. The position involves applying vessel operations/vessel management experience to incident investigations and is well‑suited for experienced mariners seeking a long‑term onshore career that values technical depth and real‑world vessel experience. Ideal candidates will have at least ten years of post-academic, hands-on experience in the maritime industries. While we offer hybrid flexibility, once trained, fully remote is not an option, in-person teamwork is a component of our success.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Conduct field investigations and perform failure/accident analysis on incidents involving safety, maritime operations, mechanical equipment on all types of vessels. This may include evaluating the following:

• Navigation and all related topics such as pilotage, COLREGS, voyage planning.
• Working knowledge of marine electronics, ECDIS, RADAR and other chart plotting systems.
• Daily operations and crew management experience.
• Seaworthiness and related causes that make vessels unseaworthy.
• Vessel Propulsion and Control Systems (steering, stabilizers, thrusters, etc.).
• General Machinery & Piping Systems (working knowledge).
• Safety Management including SOLAS, ISM Code, STCW and related Flag State regulations.
• Lifesaving and Fire Suppression Systems.
• Vessel stability, sinking, damage & hull integrity.
• Human Factors (ergonomics, fatigue, or similar).
• Knowledge of marine contracts, charter agreements, purchase and sale.

Other matters may include evaluation of:

• Small commercial vessels such as dinner cruise, excursion boats, casino operations. Large yachts, recreational vessels, personal watercraft.
• Doors/gates, gangways, vessel boarding apparatus.
• Walkway safety including evaluation for slip resistance (tribometry).
• Boatlifts, davits, cranes.
• Oilfield, OSV's, commercial diving, crew transport.
• Conduct unbiased investigations for various types of clients including vessel accident reconstruction and safety related analysis.
• Support findings and conclusions by appropriate testimony in legal proceedings.
• Knowledge of US and International Vessel Safety and Pollution Prevention Standards (i.e. CFR, MARPOL, SOLAS, British MCA, Class Society Rules).
• Provide technical findings and conclusions in laymen's terms, both verbally and in writing.
• Responsible for retention and development of client relations.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of B.S. in Marine Transportation, Maritime Operations, Engineering, Marine Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of ten years of maritime related experience onboard and/or ashore.
• U.S.C.G. Captain License (Unlimited) a plus.
• U.S.C.G. Chief Engineer License for Steam, Gas Turbine and Motor Vessels Any Horsepower a plus.
• U.S.C.G. Marine Safety Inspection and/or Investigation qualifications a plus.
• Classification Society Surveyor experience a plus.
• Failure analysis experience a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to accept and integrate constructive feedback to clients and marine team.
• Strong writing skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel 25% of the time.
• Ability to maneuver in and around vessels and other mechanical equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to drive/travel to site locations in all conditions.
• Ability to travel by airline.
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required by the work site.

Benefits

• Extensive training in forensic engineering and technology.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with company match HSA plan.
• 401(k) and Roth IRA retirement plans with company match.
• Generous vacation and sick leave policy focused on work-life balance.
• Company-paid STD, LTD and Life Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement program.
• Industry Leading Bonus program.