Forensic Elevator Consultant – 1099 Contract

Forensic Elevator Consultant – 1099 Contract

Texas Piers Consulting, LLC (TPC)

Position Summary:

Texas Piers Consulting, LLC (TPC) is seeking an experienced Forensic Elevator Consultant to provide technical investigations, evaluations, and consulting services related to elevators, escalators, lifts, and associated vertical transportation systems.

The ideal candidate will be either a qualified engineer with elevator-system experience or an experienced elevator professional with substantial hands-on experience as an elevator technician, mechanic, inspector, adjuster, or field supervisor. The consultant will investigate equipment failures, property damage, accidents, maintenance issues, installation deficiencies, and other conditions associated with insurance claims and litigation matters.

This position requires strong technical knowledge, investigative skills, professional judgment, and the ability to clearly document and communicate findings in written reports.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Conduct on-site forensic inspections of elevators, escalators, platform lifts, and related vertical transportation equipment.

·  Evaluate reported equipment failures, malfunctions, damage, and operational deficiencies.

·  Investigate incidents involving elevator or escalator operation, including property damage and personal injury matters.

·  Evaluate elevator components including controllers, motors, drives, brakes, hoist machines, ropes/belts, sheaves, door operators, safety devices, hydraulic systems, pumps, cylinders, wiring, and control equipment.

·  Review maintenance, service, repair, inspection, testing, modernization, and installation records.

·  Evaluate whether observed conditions are consistent with the reported incident or date of loss.

·  Determine the probable cause and origin of equipment failures or damage based upon available physical evidence and documentation.

·  Distinguish between conditions associated with a reported event and those resulting from wear and tear, deterioration, deferred maintenance, improper installation, prior damage, or mechanical/electrical failure.

· Evaluate whether maintenance and service activities were performed consistently with applicable requirements and industry practices.

·  Review photographs, repair proposals, invoices, service tickets, maintenance logs, inspection reports, and other relevant documentation.

· Evaluate repair recommendations and determine whether proposed repairs or replacements are technically appropriate and related to the reported loss.

· Identify components requiring repair or replacement and assist in developing appropriate scopes of repair.

· Research and apply applicable elevator codes, standards, manufacturer requirements, and accepted industry practices.

· Prepare clear, concise, technically defensible forensic reports documenting observations, analysis, and conclusions.

· Communicate technical findings to insurance adjusters, attorneys, property owners, contractors, and other project stakeholders.

· Participate in technical discussions, mediations, depositions, or litigation support when qualified and requested.

· Coordinate with TPC engineers, building consultants, technical writers, and project management personnel.

• Qualifications:

Candidates should possess one or more of the following backgrounds:

·  Professional Engineer (P.E.) with experience involving elevator, mechanical, electrical, controls, or vertical transportation systems;

· Experienced elevator technician or mechanic with extensive field experience in installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, modernization, and/or repair;

·  Elevator inspector or consultant with significant technical experience evaluating elevator systems;

·  Former elevator service supervisor, adjuster, field engineer, or similar senior-level elevator professional.

• Preferred Experience

·   Minimum of 10 years of elevator industry experience preferred.

·   Strong knowledge of traction and hydraulic elevator systems.

·   Experience with modern and legacy elevator controls and equipment.

·   Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and control-system failures.

·   Familiarity with elevator maintenance contracts and preventive maintenance requirements.

·  Knowledge of applicable elevator and life-safety codes, including ASME A17.1/CSA B44, applicable NFPA standards, and state/local requirements.

· Experience conducting inspections or investigations for insurance claims, litigation, accident investigations, or failure analysis is highly desirable.

·   Experience reviewing repair and modernization proposals and evaluating reasonable scopes of repair.

·   Expert witness, deposition, or litigation experience is beneficial but not required.

• Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

·   Strong understanding of elevator mechanical and electrical systems.

·   Ability to identify failure mechanisms and distinguish recent damage from long-term conditions.

·   Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities.

·  Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, equipment documentation, maintenance records, and technical specifications.

·    Knowledge of elevator inspection, testing, maintenance, and safety procedures.

·    Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

·    Ability to photograph and document equipment conditions methodically.

·    Ability to develop technically supportable opinions based upon physical evidence and available records.

·   Professional communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical clients.

• Education and Licensing

·   A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is preferred for engineering candidates.

· For non-engineering candidates, extensive elevator-industry experience and relevant licenses, certifications, or credentials may substitute for a formal engineering degree.

·   Preferred credentials may include:

·   Professional Engineer (P.E.)

·   Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI)

·    State or local elevator mechanic/technician license

·    Elevator inspector certification

·    Relevant manufacturer or industry training and certifications

·   Professional engineering opinions will only be provided by appropriately licensed Professional Engineers where required by applicable law.

• Physical and Travel Requirements

·    Ability to travel to inspection locations as assignments require.

·    Ability to safely access elevator machine rooms, control rooms, pits, equipment spaces, and other areas necessary to perform inspections.

·  Ability to work around operating and de-energized mechanical and electrical equipment while following applicable safety procedures.

·   Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and access equipment areas where reasonably required.

·    Must comply with site-specific and TPC safety requirements.

• Engagement

This position may be structured as an independent contractor/1099 consulting opportunity, depending upon location, qualifications, licensing, and assignment requirements. Assignments may include insurance claims, equipment failures, property losses, personal injury matters, litigation support, and other technical investigations involving vertical transportation systems.

• About TPC

Texas Piers Consulting, LLC provides forensic engineering, building consulting, specialty consulting, and litigation support services. TPC's focus is providing clients with clear, technically supported findings that assist in making informed and defensible decisions. Texas Piers Consulting, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a professional, safety-focused working environment.