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 vison 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

SEA places a strong value and diversity and wellness across the company. SEA is also focused on, and committed to, staff health and wellbeing. We offer several benefits aimed at health and wellbeing, including an Employee Assistance Program and a Motion Wellness Program that rewards activity through contributions to employee HSA accounts.