Mechanical Engineering Expert Witnesses in California

The SEAK Expert Witness Directory contains a comprehensive list of mechanical engineering expert witnesses who testify, consult and provide litigation support on mechanical engineering and related issues. Mechanical engineering expert witnesses and consultants on this page may form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, and provide expert witness testimony at deposition and trial. The issues and subjects these mechanical engineering expert witnesses testify regarding may include: Failure Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors, Machinery, Risk Assessment, Safety, Utilities, 3 D Printing, Accident, Accident Biomechanics, Accident Investigation, Accident Reconstruction, Ada Compliance, Air Distribution, and Air Handlers.

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David Smith, MS, MBA, PE, CSP

Product and Equipment Safety, IP and Patent Expert

Alpine Engineering and Design, Inc.

Mechanical Engineering, Intellectual Property - Patents, intellectual property, aerial lift, boom lift, scissor lift, manufacturing equipment, agricultural equipment, oil and gas equipment, refuse equipment, garbage trucks, trailers, conveyors, exercise equipment, safety, consumer products, chairs, seating, Forklift, thrill ride, zip line
Experienced mechanical engineer (MS, PE) and certified safety professional (CSP) with seven issued patents. Award winning inventor. President of Alpine Engineering and Design, Inc., a mechanical engineering consulting company with clients around the United States ranging from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies. Consulted on multiple products including: forklifts, conveyors, aerial lifts, garbage trucks, trailers, exercise equipment, seating and manufacturing equipment. Graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Completed a master's of science degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA with an emphasis in product development. Licensed professional engineer (PE) and a certified safety professional in comprehensive practice (CSP). Certified operator and trainer for forklifts, powered industrial trucks, boom lifts, scissor lifts, MEWPS, rough terrain forklifts. Approaching 20 years experience in product development, patents, safe equipment desi...
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Tyler G Colwell, PE

Mechanical Engineer (HVAC/MEP) – Case Support

Colwell ECS, PLLC

Mechanical Engineering, HVAC - HVAC Design, Data Centers, Data Center Infrastructure, Data Center Cooling, Commercial HVAC, Ventilation, Chillers, Air Handlers, HVAC Controls, Mechanical Code Compliance, Heating, Cooling Towers, Pumps, Fans, Compressors, Air Distribution, Refrigeration, hydronics, energy efficiency, economization
Three+ Decades of Technical Leadership ● 1992 (age 27) – Solo research project proving proximity transducers detect rolling-element bearing failures far earlier than accelerometers. Published in Orbit magazine; codified in API 670 & ISO 20816 for global diagnostics standards. ● 1993 – Presented Orbit research at Symposium on Industrial Applications of Gas Turbines, Canadian Gas Association, Banff, Alberta. ● 2007–2020 – Designed 100+ energy-efficient U.S. data centers, including state-of-the-art HVAC/power systems exceeding ASHRAE & Title 24. ● 2015 – Lectured/conducted vibrations lab, Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering Dept., San Luis Obispo, CA. ● 2015 – Published plain-English guide to CA Title 24-2013 data center cooling in Data Center Journal, resolving confusion and enabling compliant data center expansions. ● 2021–2025 – Designed large-scale HVAC for commercial/military facilities, exceeding IMC, UFC, & IBC for performance/efficiency. Core Expertise ● HVAC design/construction/f...
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Jose J. Granda, PhD, PE

Cadsim Engineering

Sacramento, California
Accident Reconstruction, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering, Auto Accidents, Accident Biomechanics, EDR download, analysis, including TESLA, Work Place Accidents, Heavy Vehicles, Motorcycles, Pedestrians, Bicycles, Failure Analysis, Computer Models, Simulations, Finite Element Modeling (FEA), Human Factors, Vehicle Dynamics and Design
QUALIFICATIONS; Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the California State University in Sacramento, CA with 39+ yrs. experience. Professional Registered Mechanical Engineer (PE License, CA). An expert in accident reconstruction using computer simulations of accidents involving vehicles, trucks, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, biomechanics, pedestrians, bicycles, occupational, workplace, failure analysis impact forces, industrial accidents. EDR (Event Data Recorder) analysis including TESLA vehicles, patents. EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE: Written reports, depositions & trial experience. SPECIALIZED TRAINING; Vehicle Dynamics and Design, Vehicle Safety & Crash Reconstruction, Accident Biomechanics, Finite Element Modeling in Computer Aided Design, Advanced Mechanical Design and Failure Analysis (CSUS); Motorcycle Accident reconstruction, (Northwestern University); EDR Certification, Tech 1, Tech II, EDR Analysis Certification (Collision Safety Institute); Applying Automotive EDR Da...
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T.Kim Parnell, PhD, PE

Intellectual Property, Failure, Medical Device

Parnell Expert Consulting

Sunnyvale, California
Medical Devices, Intellectual Property - Mechanical Engineering, Equipment & Machinery, Medical Device, Nitinol, Biomedical, Patent, IP, Consumer Products, Failure Analysis, Fracture, Fatigue, Truck Rollover, Crashworthiness, Finite Element, FEA, Reliability, Cell Phone, IVC, Composite Material, Piping
T.Kim Parnell, PhD, PE is President of Parnell Engineering & Consulting. Dr.Parnell holds PhD and MSME degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, a BES from Georgia Tech, and is a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer (PE) in the State of California. Dr.Parnell is an ASME Fellow, an IEEE Life Senior Member, and a Member of NAFEMS, SAMPE, ASMI and SAE. Parnell is Past-Chair of the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section (IEEE-SCV) (over 13,000 members) and Past-Chair/Board Member of the IEEE Consultants' Network of Silicon Valley (IEEE-CNSV). Vice-President of Silicon Valley Engineering Council (SVEC-ca.org) Dr.Parnell is an experienced Expert Witness, has provided testimony in both trial and deposition, and has authored numerous expert reports, ITC and IPR declarations. He has worked extensively as an expert in medical devices, patents, product failure, product liability, and personal injury. Dr.Parnell has been retained in medical device litigation cases that ...
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Matthew D Hawkins, PE

Energy & Electricity Expert - PE

Livermore, California
Energy, Electricity - Lost Earnings, Economic Damages, Business Litigation, ERCOT, PJM, ISO-NE, CAISO, Utilities, Energy Markets, Asset Management, Power Generation, Statistics, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, Hydroelectric Energy, Compliance, Regulatory, Batteries, Tolling Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement
I am an expert in the systems that balance electricity demand and supply. Many systems have been created that maintain this balance over time and mitigate the cost to energy users. There are economic systems, for example, energy markets, which generate prices that indicate the value of changing the electricity flow at a particular place and time. There are regulatory systems that enforce standards on owners and operators of energy infrastructure. There are mechanical systems at power plants that keep coal flowing into the furnaces at the precise amount needed. There are forecasting systems that allow industry stakeholders to plan for the future. There are business processes that allow every kind of enterprise to interface with the grid. All these systems work in concert to keep the electrical grid energized and the electricity flowing. Contact me if your issue intersects with any of these energy systems. My expertise comes from over 10 years of work experience in the energy indu...
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Nikhil K Kar, Ph.D., P.E.

Kars' Advanced Materials, Inc.

Anaheim, California
Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering - Materials Science, Composite Materials, Fractography, Fractures, Weld Failures, Failure Analysis, Product, machinery, and equipment failures
Nikhil’s expertise is in fields of mechanical engineering, materials science, metallurgy, failure analysis, mechanical/materials behavior, laboratory testing, contamination analysis and equipment function to determine cause(s) of failure. He is involved in various consulting projects including implant failures, product failures, automotive component failures and patent infringement matters. When time permits, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California as an adjunct assistant professor of engineering practice. He has qualified as an expert witness in both State and Federal Court.
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Tara Parhizkar, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., P.E.

Accident Investigation – Energy Infrastructures

Los Angeles, California
Energy, Mechanical Engineering - Power Grid, Energy Infrastructures, Marine Industry, Accident Investigation, Power Tools, Patent Litigation, Construction Safety, Utilities, Oil & Gas, Wildfire, Public Safety, Root Cause Analysis, Failure, Accident, Energy, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Disaster, Catastrophic Injury, Safety
Dr. Tarannom Parhizkar, Ph.D., P.E., is a distinguished expert in power grids and the oil & gas industry, with over 16 years of professional experience. She is an Adjunct Professor at UCLA and a trusted authority in accident investigation, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and common cause failure assessment, providing attorneys with clear, defensible technical opinions. Her litigation and consulting work focuses on accident reconstruction, root cause analysis, and patent disputes. She has supported cases involving energy infrastructure accidents, pipeline integrity, combustion systems, equipment failures, and environmental exposures. Known for her meticulous methods and integrity, Dr. Parhizkar offers objective, reliable insights that help clarify complex technical issues in court. Dr. Parhizkar has authored a book, multiple book chapters, and more than 30 peer-reviewed journal publications. She is also an active academic contributor, serving as Adjunct Professor at UCLA,...
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Tyler G Colwell, PE

Mechanical Engineer (HVAC/MEP) – Case Support

Colwell ECS, PLLC

California
Mechanical Engineering, HVAC - HVAC Design, Data Centers, Data Center Infrastructure, Data Center Cooling, Commercial HVAC, Ventilation, Chillers, Air Handlers, HVAC Controls, Mechanical Code Compliance, Heating, Cooling Towers, Pumps, Fans, Compressors, Air Distribution, Refrigeration, hydronics, energy efficiency, economization
Three+ Decades of Technical Leadership ● 1992 (age 27) – Solo research project proving proximity transducers detect rolling-element bearing failures far earlier than accelerometers. Published in Orbit magazine; codified in API 670 & ISO 20816 for global diagnostics standards. ● 1993 – Presented Orbit research at Symposium on Industrial Applications of Gas Turbines, Canadian Gas Association, Banff, Alberta. ● 2007–2020 – Designed 100+ energy-efficient U.S. data centers, including state-of-the-art HVAC/power systems exceeding ASHRAE & Title 24. ● 2015 – Lectured/conducted vibrations lab, Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering Dept., San Luis Obispo, CA. ● 2015 – Published plain-English guide to CA Title 24-2013 data center cooling in Data Center Journal, resolving confusion and enabling compliant data center expansions. ● 2021–2025 – Designed large-scale HVAC for commercial/military facilities, exceeding IMC, UFC, & IBC for performance/efficiency. Core Expertise ● HVAC design/construction/f...
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Mingxi Zheng, MS, PE

Mechanical/Materials Failure Analysis Expert

BEAR INC.

Berkeley, California
Products Liability, Mechanical Engineering - Risk Assessment, Failure Analysis, FMEA, Material Characterization and Testing, Material Properties, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Aviation & Aerospace, 3D printing, Automotive, Welding, Warnings & Labels, Oil and Gas, Product Development, Laboratories & Testing, Candle Fires, Button Battery, Blenders, Heating pads
Mingxi is a Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer in the state of California with expertise in materials development and mechanical engineering across a broad range of industries. She holds a Master's and a Bachelor's degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. With a specialty in materials science, metallurgy, fracture mechanics and failure analysis, she has hands-on industry experience in materials testing and process development in the aerospace and manufacturing industries. Her time as a working engineer in advanced manufacturing and startup environments has proven invaluable in providing evidence and practice-based expert opinions and testimony regarding engineering, manufacturing, risk assessment and warnings. Prior to joining Berkeley Engineering And Research, Inc., she held engineering roles at SpaceX, Virgin Orbit, and Carbon 3D, where she worked on integrating Mil, ASTM, ISO, and NASA specifications into developing intel...
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MARTIN M BALABAN, PhD, PE

AR TECH

Encino, California
Accident Reconstruction, Safety - Vehicle collisions, Premises liability, Safety, Code Compliance, Construction & Industrial Accidents, Failure Analysis, Human Factors, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, OSHA, ADA compliance, Products Liability, Criminal, Licensed Safety Engineer in CA, Slip & Fall, Slip and Fall, Trip & Fall, Ladders, Trip and Fall
Vehicular:
 all vehicle types, multi-vehicle, bicycles, pedestrians, skidmark analysis. damage-matching, occupant biomechanics. visibility & line-of-sight analysis, traffic signal phasing, vehicular component defects, seatbelts. Premises Liability: Code Compliance, Slip, trip, floor friction testing, stairway & ramp accidents, glass injuries, guardrails; illumination issues; manual & electronic gates, ladders, door closing mechanisms, falling objects, structural failures. Occupancies include single- and multi-family residences, retail stores, office buildings, garages, sidewalks, parks and other public access. Industrial & Construction accidents: Walking-working surfaces including ramps, hoisting & conveying, powered lifts, work platforms, forklifts, construction vehicles, materials handling & storage, machine guarding, ladders, scaffolding, trenching & shoring, Cal-OSHA compliance, lockout/tagout, IIPP analysis, human factors & ergonomics issues. Products Liability: Liabili...
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Daniel R Robles, PE, MBA

Mechanical Engineer - Expert Witness

Community Engineering Services, PLLC

California
Mechanical Engineering, Investigation - Plumbing, Test Engineering, Product Liability, Failure Analysis, Forensic Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Accident Reconstruction, Water Damage, Feasibility Study, Corrosion, Construction, Airport, Aviation, Standard of Care, Litigation Support, Risk Assessment, Machinery, Insurance, Document Analysis, Design Engineering
Daniel Robles, PE, MBA is a licensed mechanical engineer with over 35 years of diverse experience in aerospace, building sciences, and advanced technology platforms. He has held leadership roles in design and test engineering for high-profile projects including the NASA Space Shuttle, commercial satellite deployment, stealth aircraft, and commercial aircraft commissioning and servicing, working for industry leaders such as Rockwell International, Hughes Aircraft, Northrop Aircraft, and The Boeing Company. Mr. Robles is the founder of Community Engineering Services PLLC, where he leverages his extensive aerospace and engineering expertise to provide expert witness services, condition assessments, inspections, and failure analysis for the legal, insurance, and financial industries, as well as private, municipal, and institutional clients. His specific areas of practice include plumbing systems, drain, waste, vent, and domestic water supply, as well as water system failures, water int...
You can also find Mechanical Engineering Expert Witnesses in:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin